Device for producing a plasma, ionisation method, use of said method and production processes using said device

ABSTRACT

A method concentrating energy to produce large velocity, high pressure and/or high temperature conditions, including the steps of forming a resonant cavity inside a container, filing the resonant cavity with a liquid having a compressibility that is smaller than that of water at room temperature; coupling energy into the resonant cavity at a frequency which drives the resonant cavity at or near a resonant mode thereby creating one or more velocity nodes in the resonant cavity; and capturing a quantity of material or mixture of material in the resonant cavity at one of the velocity nodes.

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of transformation ofmatter and concerns a device for producing a plasma by a reactioninvolving combustion of a substance or a mixture of substances M, aprocess for ionisation or transformation of the substance employing thisdevice, applications of the process according to the invention andembodiments employing the device according to the invention.

[0002] At present, thermal agitation is the only known process forconstructing a combustion reaction. This process involves intimatelymixing the fuel with the oxygen carrier and agitating the mixture usinga thermodynamic stress, in other words increasing the entropy or thedisorder of this mixture in order to increase the probability ofeffective meeting of the reacted entities. Solid fuels are themselvesthen subjected to the turbulent stream of the oxygen-carrying air.

[0003] The field of pulsatory combustion would tend to proceeddifferently within a steady stream. However, this case, which defiesconventional description, operates perfectly only at low frequencies ofthe pulsating stream compatible with the undulating rate of propagationof the flame front. Beyond this, the turbulence due to theentropy-generating higher frequencies destroy the coherence between thethermal procedure and the steady system, the yields falling rapidly tothe point where the flame decays.

[0004] Owing to the incoherence due to thermal agitation, theprobability of meetings between particles is slight and not allcollisions are effective. Of the meetings, those which are actuallyeffective have a slight range of movement which leads only toinstantaneous ionisation followed by oxidation which reforms associatedchemical species. This type of reaction creates unburnt residues andoxides which are increasingly harmful to the earth's atmosphere.

[0005] Under these conditions, the production of energy by combustioninvolves making a choice between the production of quantities of unburntresidues or the disposal of harmful oxidation products.

[0006] The static devices subjected to the pulsations of the smoke ductswhich lead to reduction in frequency by beating in the combustionchambers produce a large amount of unburnt residues. It is thereforecommon for the smoke duct to block in three weeks of use.

[0007] The power couple of heat engines of which the output is low inrelation to the energy capacity of the fuels decreases rapidly when themechanical speed exceeds a certain threshold of correlation with thereaction rate characterised by the propagation of the flame front. It istherefore necessary to use fuels having improved kinetic velocities, butthis increases the production of nitrogen oxides in proportion with thecombustion temperature.

[0008] This range of validity is even smaller in burners in whichadjustments are very sharp, on the one hand to stabilise the flames and,on the other hand, to select the best yield in view of the dilemmabetween the production of unburnt residues and the disposal of oxidationproducts. An equilibrium is therefore required between limiting unburntresidues and limiting the production of oxides, which are all just asharmful as one another and have known consequences.

[0009] The problem becomes even more complex in industrialinstallations. In fact, it is difficult to control the turbulentevolution of a large-volume flame, particularly when using severalinjectors simultaneously. The great difference in temperature betweenthe core (or inner cone) and the periphery of a large volume flame tendsto reduce the quality of combustion and the peripheral exchange of heat.For these reasons, a plurality of burners are used in industrialfurnaces. In this case, the volume becomes the limiting factor.

[0010] The problem encountered in the present invention is a result ofthe actual thermal agitation procedure which maintains the incoherenceof the reaction medium to an even greater extent, the further thethermodynamic conditions are from the standard state. Therefore, theruptures of fuel molecules and their behaviour as free particles iscompletely random. The flame front is the only coherence fringe in theagitated reaction medium. Its propagation in a Brownian medium assumesthere is a coherence organising movement preceding it and a decoherencemovement following it, both of which generate turbulence whichrepresents lost movement energy.

[0011] Depending on their nature, conventional fuels have an averagerate of propagation of this undulating coherence space which isassociated with a range or extent of compatibility with the frequenciesof pulsatory phenomena developed by the reactors. Outside this range ofharmonic correspondence, there is destructive interference between thetwo capacities. Thus, a lower frequency produces unburnt residues and amediocre yield. Conversely, an excess of pressure in the stream in theburners causes the flame to decay and become unstable. In engines, ahigh speed therefore leads to knocking, the substance evolving locally,independently of the system.

[0012] The heart of the problem lies in the span of the coherence marginbetween the inherent vibratory properties of the reacted substance andthe pulsating and turbulent phenomena developed independently by thereactors. The ideal solution lies in the production of a reactor havingcoherent, constant, maintained and well controlled pulsatory properties,in full harmony or harmonic with the organised and coherent vibratorybehaviour of the substance during the continuity of its transformation,and mainly in the meeting of the reagents.

[0013] It is also known that, in a steady stream, the acousticconditions impose coherence of state and direction on the movingparticles. In a nodal region, therefore, the substance is immobilewhereas, in the regions containing “bellies”, the amplitudes are at apeak and are therefore the same for all points in the vicinity. On theother hand, the oscillating movements of all these points aresynchronous and the spacing of these points remains substantiallyinvariable. It is also known from experience that a microscopic steadystream in a pipe conveys the microscopic condition of acoustic pressure(cf. all musical wind instruments).

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide devicesconfigured to employ the properties of steady streams carrying anacoustic condition so as to construct a reaction system in which all thefree particles adopt coherent behaviour subject to the laws ofacoustics.

[0015] Physicists such as Einstein, Debye, Born, von Karman, Tarassov,etc., who studied the properties of matter, issued the hypothesis ofharmonic evolution. However, this cannot be maintained in the case ofthe Brownian movement which characterises the state of gravity. This iswhy, as will be explained hereinafter, the means of the presentinvention aim to develop the forces of Van der Waals interactions whichreduce the effects of gravity at the moment of dissociations of matterso that their harmonic coherent conditioning becomes possible.

[0016] The devices according to the present invention have the object ofcreating, on the one hand, coherence and orientation conditions in whichdissociated or semi-dissociated species are made to form a coherentorientated stationary field of macroscopic matter comprising phases ofpronounced condensation followed by expansion (Bose Einsteincondensation) and, on the other hand, conditions for survival of thefield conditioned in this way by addition of one or other fields inphase opposition, which compensate for the state of thermodynamicimbalance, the sum of movements of the assembly thus contributing to theformation of a soliton wave having the necessary properties ofconservation due to low damping. This conditioning is noteworthy in thatsaid stationary wave has nodal planes which are favourable to therelativistic reinforcement of the kinetic acceleration, whichacceleration leads to ionisation of the species which generates acoherent flame and consequently has the characteristics of a laser beambut of which the macroscopic propagation complies with low-frequencystationary behaviour.

[0017] The noteworthy consequences are, on the one hand, a better yieldper quantity of movement of the ionised field and, on the other hand, asequence of steady expansions which give rise to successive exchangesurfaces which may be used in heat as in pressure.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention also allows simple applicationallowing the use of reactors of industrial sizes owing to the length ofthe flame and its isotropy, and may therefore be applied to largefurnaces. The absence of oxidation products owing to the completeionisation is an advantageous consequence for the environment, thisadvantage allowing numerous types of solid or liquid waste to betreated, virtually without limit, in an inoffensive and economicallyviable manner, without being limited thereto.

[0019] A particular object of the present invention is to overcome theaforementioned drawbacks.

[0020] To this end, the present invention relates to a device forproducing a plasma by a reaction of combustion of a substance or amixture of substances M, characterised in that it comprises:

[0021] a resonant chamber of the “Fabry-Perot” cavity type for creatingsteady circulation of a stream of said substance or substances Mpenetrating said resonant chamber via at least one supply means andissuing from the resonant chamber in a conditioned form, namely in acoherent and semi-condensed steady vibratory state via at least oneoutlet in the form of elongate pipe(s),

[0022] an acoustic chamber communicating with said resonant chamber viaan orifice and equipped with an acoustic device for generating modulableharmonics, and

[0023] a soliton chamber of adjustable volume for receiving theconditioned substance issuing via the elongate pipe or pipes of theresonant chamber at the same time as it generates recirculation ofexternal air toward this resonant chamber via said elongate pipe orpipes, said soliton chamber being equipped with at least one adjustableflow rate air inlet and said soliton chamber defining, with a pulsatingsuction member adjacent to the outlet of said soliton chamber, a spacefor the production of ionised substance.

[0024] The invention also relates to a process for ionisation ortransformation of the substance employing a device according to theinvention, characterised in that it comprises the stages consisting in:

[0025] starting up the pulsating suction member and possibly an ignitionaid,

[0026] introducing the substance or substances M to be ionised or to betransformed in the resonant chamber,

[0027] if necessary, initiating conventional preliminary combustion ofthe previously introduced substance or substances M,

[0028] conditioning the substance or substances M in a coherent andsemi-condensed steady vibratory state using the acoustic device and thepulsating suction member,

[0029] after to-ing and fro-ing several times in the resonant chamber,aspirating the conditioned substance or substances M via the elongatepipe or pipes at the outlet of which the wave of the issuing stream ofsubstances M generates a reflection of this incident wave in the form ofa reflected wave consisting of a air stream which rises in the elongatepipe or pipes, compensates the negative pressure in the resonant chamberand maintains the reflections between the mirror faces there,

[0030] adding external air to the conditioned substance or substances Missuing from the elongate pipe or pipes via the air inlets situated inthe vicinity of the elongate pipe or pipes, and

[0031] ionising the conditioned substance or substances M, optionallyusing an ignition aid.

[0032] The present invention also relates to various applications of theprocess and to various objects employing the device according to theinvention.

[0033] The invention will be understood better by means of the followingdescription which relates to preferred embodiments given as non-limitingexamples and explained with reference to the accompanying schematicdrawings, in which:

[0034]FIG. 1 is a simplified lateral section of the general device ofthe present invention;

[0035] FIGS. 2 to 7, 9, 11 and 12 are views similar to that in FIG. 1 ofnine further embodiments of the device according to the presentinvention and

[0036]FIGS. 8 and 10 are simplified front sections of the devicesaccording to FIGS. 7 and 9.

[0037]FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings is a simplified view of thegeneral device of the present invention, in other words a device forproducing a plasma by a reaction involving combustion of a substance ora mixture of substances M according to the present invention, which ischaracterised in that it comprises

[0038] a resonant chamber 1 of the “Fabry-Perot” cavity type forcreating steady circulation of a stream of said substance or substancesM penetrating said resonant chamber 1 via at least one supply means 2and issuing from the resonant chamber 1 in a conditioned form, namely ina coherent and semi-condensed steady vibratory state via at least oneoutlet 3 in the form of elongate pipes 4,

[0039] an acoustic chamber 5 communicating with said resonant chamber 1via an orifice 6 and equipped with an acoustic device 7 for generatingmodulable harmonics, and

[0040] a soliton chamber 8 of adjustable volume for receiving theconditioned substance issuing via the elongate pipe or pipes 4 of theresonant chamber 1 at the same time as it generates recirculation ofexternal air toward this resonant chamber 1 via said elongate pipe orpipes 4, said soliton chamber 8 being equipped with at least oneadjustable flow rate air inlet 9 and said soliton chamber 8 defining,with a pulsating suction member 10 adjacent to the outlet of saidsoliton chamber 8, a space 11 for the production of ionised substance.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the resonant chamber 1 consists of anelongate cylindrical volume with reflection-generating ends such as a“Fabry-Perot” cavity. This resonant chamber 1 is configured to promotethe reflected steady circulation of a saturated stream of conditionedsubstance(s) M in suspension and to maintain longitudinal vibrationsreinforced by the action of the orifice 6 connecting said resonantchamber 1 to the acoustic chamber 5.

[0042] The substances M to be conditioned enter the interior of theresonant chamber 1 via one or more supply means 2 and leave it in aconditioned state for the following reaction via at least one outlet 3,for example an outlet 3 produced in the form of a neck.

[0043] According to a characteristic of the invention, the means 2 forsupplying the resonant chamber 1 with substances M consist of at leastone supply opening 13 produced in said resonant chamber 1. An openingtoward the bottom of the resonant chamber 1 or at the bottom itselfallows the substances M to be introduced or injected, depending onwhether they are solid, liquid or gaseous. The various methods ofproducing the supply means 2 will be described hereinafter.

[0044] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the conditionedsubstances issue from the resonant chamber 1 via a single outlet 3produced in the form of an elongate pipe 4 which is open at its two endsto form a resonator neck. This elongate pipe 4 has a smaller sectionthan the cross-section of the resonant chamber 1 so that the ratio ofthe cross-sections (impedance factor) is dimensioned to facilitatedouble circulation created in one direction by the pulsating suctionmember 10 and in the opposite direction by the depression created bysaid pulsating suction member 10 in said resonant chamber 1.

[0045] The length of the elongate pipe or pipes 4 depends on thearrangements for adjustment of the distance between the end or ends 4′of said elongate pipe or pipes 4 and the first opening 8′ of the solitonchamber 8 in which it/they open(s) freely, or else on the configurationof the pulsating suction member 10, providing that the pulsating suctionmember 10 reverberates with half a wavelength.

[0046] According to a characteristics of the invention, the elongatepipe or pipes 4 are of adjustable lengths, for example by being producedin the form of telescopic portions. Other methods of adapting the lengthof said elongate pipe or pipes 4 are also possible, for example portionsconnected by extensible bellows. These portions may in fact make iteasier to start up the general device according to the invention, torefine the parameters of the adjustments or else to clean the elongatepipe or pipes 4 quickly during operation of said device.

[0047] As mentioned hereinbefore and according to a furthercharacteristic of the invention, the section of the elongate pipe orpipes 4 is smaller than that of the resonant chamber 1 and greater thanthat of a first opening 8′ of the soliton chamber 8 connected to thepulsating suction member 10 in such a way that the stream of substancesM, which tends to have the section of said first opening 8′, leaves atleast one annular space for introduction into the elongate pipe or pipes4 of the reflected wave consisting of the air which is introduced intothe soliton chamber 8 via at least one air inlet 9 and rises in saidelongate pipe or pipes 4 in the direction of the resonant chamber 1.

[0048] According to yet a further characteristic, the natural frequencyof the elongate pipe or pipes 4 is selected so as to reverberate at thefundamental frequency of the wave circulating in the resonant chamber 1and so that the reflected wave directed from the outlet of the elongatepipe or pipes 4 toward the resonant chamber 1 makes up a common modewith the incident wave to promote the beat.

[0049] The acoustic chamber 5 consists of an acoustic resonance volumeconnected tightly via an orifice 6 to the resonant chamber 1 andequipped, on the side remote from this orifice 6, with an adjustableacoustic device. According to a characteristic of the invention, theacoustic device 7 is an acoustic muff or an acoustic reed, for example adevice of the variable port flute type or a device having a free reed ofwhich the free space is adjustable.

[0050] The size and shape of this acoustic chamber 5 are adapted to thedevice on which it is provided or to its layout, subject to the distancebetween the pinch in the region of the orifice 6 and the acoustic member7, the n^(th) factor of the pulse harmonics attributed relative to thedistance between the outlet or outlets 3 of the acoustic member 7.

[0051] According to a characteristic of the invention, therefore, thesize and shape of the acoustic chamber 5 depend on the distance betweensaid orifice 6 and said acoustic device 7, this distance itself beingcoordinated with the distance between the outlet or outlets 3 of saidresonant chamber 1 and said acoustic device 7.

[0052] Advantageously, the distance between said orifice 6 and saidacoustic device 7 is a complete sub-multiple of the distance between theoutlet or outlets 3 of said resonant chamber 1 and said acoustic device7.

[0053] According to a further characteristic of the invention, theorifice 6, the acoustic device 7 and an outlet 3 of the resonant chamber1 are aligned.

[0054] As shown, in particular, in FIG. 1, the soliton chamber 8 islocated between the pulsating suction member 10 and the outlet 3 of theresonant chamber 1.

[0055] According to a first embodiment, the soliton chamber 8 has acylindrical or quasi-cylindrical shape 27 comprising a first opening 8′for connection to the pulsating suction member 10 and a second opening8″ fitting on the elongate pipe or pipes 4 of the resonant chamber 1 sothat the space remaining between said second opening 8″ and saidelongate pipe or pipes 4 forms at least one air inlet 9 for said solitonchamber 8.

[0056] According to a second embodiment, the soliton chamber 8 hassubstantially the shape of a flared bell 28 comprising, on the one hand,a first opening 8′ on the enlargement side for connection to thepulsating suction member 10 and, on the other hand, a more or lesscurved opening 8″ fitting on the elongate pipe or pipes 4 of theresonant chamber 1 so that the space remaining between said secondopening 8″ and said elongate pipe or pipes 4 forms at least one airinlet 9 for said soliton chamber 8.

[0057] According to a characteristic of the invention, the secondopening 8″ of the soliton chamber 8 is extended on the side with theelongate pipe or pipes 4 by a sleeve 29 having a section greater thanthat of the elongate pipe or pipes 4 and a length equal to half thelength of the elongate pipe or pipes 4, said sleeve 29 being positionedstationarily on the free terminal end of said elongate pipe or pipes 4,the free space between said sleeve 29 and said elongate pipe or pipes 4forming at least one air inlet 9 for said soliton chamber 8.

[0058] According to a variation, the second opening 8″ of the solitonchamber 8 is extended on the side with the elongate pipe or pipes 4 by asleeve 29 having a section greater than that of the elongate pipe orpipes 4 and a length equal to half the length of the elongate pipe orpipes 4, said sleeve 29 being positioned movably on the free terminalend of said elongate pipe or pipes 4, the free space between said sleeve29 and said elongate pipe or pipes 4 forming at least one air inlet 9for said soliton chamber 8 and the second more or less curved opening 8″of the soliton chamber 8 sliding with friction on said sleeve 29.

[0059] According to a further particularly important characteristic, thesoliton chamber 8 is movable relative to the resonant chamber 1.

[0060] Advantageously, the pulsating suction member 10 is movablerelative to the soliton chamber 8, the space between said solitonchamber 8 and said pulsating suction member 10 forming a part of avariable-port flow rate accelerator 30.

[0061] As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, the deviceaccording to the invention is also characterised in that the resonantchamber 1, the soliton chamber 8 and/or the pulsating suction member 10are mounted on one or more carriages 31 which travel along at least onerail 32.

[0062] According to a further characteristic, the device according tothe invention comprises a means for forming an orientated tangentialrotational circular suction movement which generates toroidalacceleration of the flux passing through the flow rate accelerator 30.

[0063] The elongate pipe or pipes 4 of the resonant chamber 1 have, ontheir external peripheries, elements 33 having an external surface whichincreases in the direction of the resonant chamber 1 so that the spacebetween the walls of the second opening 8″ or those of its extension bythe sleeve 29 and the external surface of said elements 33 decreaseswhen said second opening 8″ or said sleeve 29 approaches said elements33, thus allowing regulation of the air flow rate entering the airinlets 9.

[0064] Preferably, the external surface of the elements 33 has a shapemating with that of the second more or less curved opening 8″ or that ofthe sleeve 29.

[0065] In a variation, the elements 33 are mounted movably on theelongate pipe or pipes 4, for example by sliding or rotation round ahelical screw.

[0066] The depth of nesting of the second opening 8″, optionallyextended by the sleeve 29, on the elongate pipe or pipes 4 may beadjusted via the displacement of the soliton chamber 8, the sleeve 29and/or the elements 33 in order to check the ionisation reaction of thesubstance or substances M, the variation in the depth of said nestingallowing the phase state of the air entering via the air inlets 9 to beadapted so that said air stream is in phase opposition to the stream ofsubstances M extracted from the resonant chamber 1.

[0067]FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings shows a simplifiednon-limiting embodiment of a device according to the invention in whichthe soliton chamber 8 in which the ovoidal soliton chamber 8 comprises afirst opening 8′ (enlargement side) for connecting said soliton chamber8 tightly to the pulsating suction member 10 and a second opening 8″(tapered side) located remotely from the first opening 8′.

[0068] The soliton chamber 8 illustrated is connected to the externalatmosphere by one or more air inlets 9 and has mainly two functions,namely, on the one hand, to receive the outlet 3 of the resonant chamber1 which penetrates more or less deeply via the elongate conduit 4 intothe interior of the soliton chamber 8, the adjustment of the distancebetween the outlet 3 (or the end 4′ of the elongate pipe 4) and thefirst opening 8′ of said soliton chamber 8 allowing the reaction to beadjusted and checked by acting on the position of the carriage 31 on therail 32 and, on the other hand, owing to the air inlets 9, to bringabout the entry of an air stream in the state of phase oppositionrelative to the stream extracted from the resonant chamber 1.

[0069] The soliton chamber 8 is configured in such a way that theadjustable intake of the air inlets 9 is necessarily and permanentlylocated in the region of a nodal plane of the device such as, forexample, a nodal plane of the elongate pipe 4 which reverberates in ahalf wavelength, one of the nodal planes of one of the resonant chambers1 or acoustic chambers 5, etc.

[0070] According to a variation, the air inlet 9 via the second opening8″ of the soliton chamber 8 is supplied in a tight manner by at leastone pipe which originates at one of the nodal points of the device.

[0071] The quantity of air entering the soliton chamber 8 via the airinlets 9 must allow the soliton recirculation via the elongate pipe 4 tocompensate and check the depression prevailing in the resonant chamber1.

[0072] The rail 32 supports the carriage 31 of which the lateraldisplacement allows adjustment of the distance between the outlet of thesoliton chamber 8 in the region of the first opening 8′ and the end 4′of the elongate pipe 4. The rail 32 may be connected to the resonantchamber 1, the soliton chamber 8 associated with the pulsating suctionmember 10 being fixed on the carriage 31 which slides laterally on saidrail 32.

[0073] In a variation, the rail 32 is connected to the associatedpulsating suction member 10 and the soliton chamber 8 and the resonantchamber 1 is movably fixed on a carriage 31.

[0074] According to a further characteristic, the device according tothe present invention is characterised in that it also comprises atleast one ignition aid 12 for the conditioned substance or substances Min the space 11 of the soliton chamber 8.

[0075] Any static or mechanical device capable of causing suction inpulsating conditions, equipped or not equipped with an ignition aid 12,is capable of being coupled to the first opening 8′ of the solitonchamber 8 in order to activate the device according to the inventionemploying the process for transformation of the substance, forming afurther object of the present invention.

[0076] Suitable pulsating suction members 10 include, by way ofnon-limiting examples, static devices (static smoke duct 34, a set ofdeflectors 35 of a pulse-jet 36), mechanical devices (variable portflow-rate accelerator 30 actuated by a fan-type device or a blowingturbine 37, a gas turbine 38 of which the first blade 39, attached tothe first opening 8′ of the soliton chamber 8, produces pulsatingsuction, an internal-combustion engine 41, 42 or mixed devices (ramjet)).

[0077] In the case of an internal-combustion engine 41, 42, the ignitionaid 12 for the conditioned substance M in the space 11 will preferablybe that of the internal-combustion engine 41, 42.

[0078] The operating principle of the general device according to theinvention (FIG. 1) is as follows:

[0079] The first opening 8′ of the soliton chamber 8 is connected to oneor more pulsating suction members 10 equipped, if necessary, with theirown ignition means or ignition aids 12 (comprising, for example,electrodes or spark plugs) and equipped with a flow rate adjustmentmeans. The pulsating suction member 10 is then started up (including, ifnecessary, its ignition aid 12) and the substance or substances M areintroduced into the resonant chamber 1 via the supply means 2. Thesubstance or the mixture of substances M is conditioned in the form of afield of substances (cloud or mist) in a coherence and semi-condensedsteady vibratory state.

[0080] After a plurality of to-ing and fro-ing movements in the resonantchamber 1, the field of substances is aspirated through the outlet 3 inthe elongate pipe 4 and added to the air stream penetrating from theexterior via the air inlets 9 into the soliton chamber 8. Thecontracting field of substances then arrives at the first opening 8′ ofthe soliton chamber 8 where, after addition to the air stream, it issubjected to a pulse of velocity. This velocity, increased locally bythe vacuum caused by the ignition means or ignition aid 12, leads togeneral ionisation of the accelerated field. The velocity belly of theionised field creates a vacuum in line with the first opening 8′ whichis responsible for an increase in the velocity and therefore ionises allthe substances passing through this first opening 8′.

[0081] The igniter or the ignition aid 12 which have become useless areextinguished, the acceleration reaction being continued by maintainingthe flame, providing that the resonant chamber 1 is ensured of a supplyof substances M.

[0082] To facilitate ignition, the adjustment of the acoustic device 7is completely opened. The flow rate accelerator 30 is adjusted to thelowest in correlation with the flow rate of air due to the widely openair inlets 9 of the soliton chamber 8 and with the flow rate through thefirst opening 8′ directed toward the end 4′ of the elongate pipe 4. Assoon as the substance appears in the form of mist in the region of thefirst opening 8′, the passage of air into the acoustic device 7 isprogressively closed so as progressively to increase the intensity ofthe depression simultaneously with establishment of the pulsatingregime.

[0083] The progress of the radiating flame is followed by appropriatecontrols such as adjustment of the acoustic device 7 toward its minimumoperating point, the increase in the distance between the first opening8′ and the end 4 of the elongate pipe 4, the adjustment of the flow rateof the air inlets 9 and the increase in power of the pulsating suctionmember 10 until the correct flow rate corresponding to the velocity ofconditioning in the resonant chamber 1 is established.

[0084] In fact, if the stream velocity in the region of the flow rateaccelerator 30 or venturi is too slow relative to the conditioningvelocity in the resonant chamber 1, the field of particles is saturatedand heavier, the inadequate velocity pulse in the region of the firstopening 8′ revealing unburnt C_(x)H_(y) when checked.

[0085] If, on the other hand, the depression applied by said venturi istoo high or the air inlet is too restricted, the reinforcement of thecontraction amplitudes due to the release of hydrogen is poorlycompensated and the piezoelectricity is observed by the appearance ofSO₂ and nitrogen oxides NO_(x). The defect may be due solely to adeficit in oxygen (measured in the waste) attributable, in this case, tothe opening of the air inlets 9 and to the force applied by the venturi,which must remain sufficiently strong to promote the reflection of thewaves in the form of a recirculation capable of compensating thedepression in the resonant chamber 1.

[0086] Once the substance M has been introduced into the resonantchamber 1 and suspended, it is subjected to the vibratory state andcirculates from the centre in a route induced by the acoustic conditionsas described in detail hereinafter.

[0087] The pulsating suction due to the pulsating suction member 10which is transmitted successively from the first opening 8′ to thesoliton chamber 8, to the elongate pipe 4 and to the resonant chamber 1causes the propagation of a circulating steady movement which conditionsthe atmosphere of this resonant chamber 1.

[0088] The suction transmitted by the elongate pipe 4 creates, in theregion of the opposing wall, a depression which is retransmitted to theend 4′ of the elongate pipe 4 in the soliton chamber 8 where it is againreflected in the direction opposed to the pressure transmitted by therecirculating air stream which compensates the depression initiallycreated in the resonant chamber 1. Then, this reflected wave abuts againagainst the back remote from the elongate pipe 4.

[0089] The resonant chamber 1, such as a “Fabry-Perot” cavity, maintainsmultiple reflections of this circulation of the gas or mist formed bythe saturation of the species in suspension, said reflections beingpromoted by the impedance resulting from the ratio of the cross-sectionsbetween the elongate pipe 4 and said resonant chamber 1.

[0090] The incident depression is reflected by the walls of the resonantchamber 1, except in the region of the orifice 6, where it istransmitted to the acoustic chamber 5 up to the acoustic device 7 whereit comes into contact with the external atmosphere at standard pressure.The atmospheric pressure then attempts to re-establish the equilibriumin the acoustic chamber 5 by introducing a pressure which, on passing,activates the acoustic device 7 which becomes resonant.

[0091] The vibrations of the acoustic device 7 are maintained by thepulsation of the resonant chamber 1 which is itself maintained by thesuction originating from the pulsating suction member 10 via theelongate pipe 4. It is as though the pulsation maintained between theelongate pipe 4 and the acoustic device 7 corresponded to a cord pinchedin the region of the orifice 6. The macroscopic pulsation of theresonant chamber 1 therefore conveys the microscopic vibrationsreflected as a result of the pinching in the region of the orifice 6 inthe form of high frequency harmonics resulting from its inherent actionon the acoustic chamber 5, similarly to the circulation of an air streamwhich conveys the sound produced by the mouthpiece of a musical windinstrument.

[0092] The steady stream circulating in the resonant chamber 1 thereforeconveys, in its core, high frequency acoustic vibrations of which thecoherent oscillation are harmonics of the general macroscopic pulsation.The movements of the particles conveyed by this stream are thereforecoherent in position and direction as in a general steady movement inwhich the pressurisation ΔP_(B) resulting from the application ofvelocity u is:

ΔP _(B)=½p ₀ .u ²(Bemoulli's Law)

[0093] wherein P_(B) represents the pressure in a conventional stream,p₀ represents the density and u the acoustic velocity, in other wordsthe velocity of the particle as it passes the disturbance.

[0094] It is known that the acoustic pressure ΔP_(A) is otherwise higherthan that resulting from a steady relaxation or compression of aconventional stream at the same velocity.${{When}\quad M} = {\frac{u}{C\quad o} \cdot \left( {{Mach}\quad {number}} \right)}$

[0095] wherein Co=velocity of sound in the (gaseous) medium underconsideration

[0096] and knowing that the acoustic pressure ΔP_(A) resulting from asame velocity take-up is: ΔP_(A)=p₀.Co.u, we have:

ΔP _(A) /ΔP _(B)=2Co/u=2/M

[0097] When M=0.005, this ratio is 40, in other words the acousticpressure is 40 times higher than that resulting from a steady relaxationor compression at the same velocity.

[0098] As the atmosphere of the resonant chamber 1 subjected to thesuction of the pulsating suction member 10 is kept in a depressed state,the acoustic pressure pulsations are absorbed by this state. On theother hand, the contracting pulsations instantaneously increase thedepression in the resonant chamber 1, are reinforced and tend to producea beating effect which stresses the entire volume of resonant chamber 1.All the particles or groups of particles present in the form ofaggregates in suspension and which are subjected to these harmonicpulsations oriented in the contraction direction adopt a precessionmovement and tend to condense. Due to this effect and the beatingeffect, their behaviour becomes coherent with the phase of the steadystream conveying them, in direction and in position. The coherence, thegeneral directional orientation and the reinforcement of the mass of theaggregates after contraction depend on absorption of the energy of themedium, in particular of the heat required for the instantaneousstabilisation and the development of the Van der Waals forces whichprevail over the other interactions and give the particle field itsindependence from the surrounding gravitational state.

[0099] As the atmosphere of the resonant chamber 1 is only supplied withair via the acoustic device 7 and by the recirculation or refluxoriginating from the elongate pipe 4 in a steady manner, it is importantto check the pressure of the resonant chamber 1 so that thetransformation conditions remain as reducing conditions whilemaintaining a pressure of which the value is very close to atmosphericpressure.

[0100] In fact, the breakages of the molecular bonds release hydrogenatoms which absorb a large quantity of heat and evolve to the gaseousstate. This process markedly reinforces the contraction amplitudes andleads to crystallisation of aggregate which generatescoherence-destroying piezoelectric effects if the initial depression istoo great.

[0101] The soliton chamber 8 equipped with the air inlets 9 has to actas a regulator by influencing two parameters, namely the suction forceof the pulsating suction member 10 on the elongate pipe or pipes 4 whichmay be modulated by supplying a volume of air to the field of aspiratedsubstance in the region of the first opening 8′ and, on the other hand,the depression created by the stream extracted from the resonant chamber1 which may be compensated by a recirculation or reflux of airtransmitted to the resonant chamber 1 by the elongate pipe or pipes 4configured so as to maintain the depression of the resonant chamber 1close to the standard external pressure.

[0102] As the conditions of coherence and substance field state havebeen created in this way, the substance field is aspirated through theoutlet or outlets 3 after having circulated in the resonant chamber 1.As the cross-section of the elongate pipe or pipes 4 is small relativeto the cross-section of the resonant chamber 1, the range of contractionis increased to this extent and has repercussions on the following phaseof contraction at the passage from the first opening 8′ of theconnection of the soliton chamber 8 to the pulsating suction member 10.

[0103] The passage formed by the first opening 8′ forms a velocity“node” where the theoretically immobile particles do not exceed theaverage velocity of the stream. On the other hand, the variations inpressure are at a maximum there, and this tends to increase the chargepotential conveyed by the field of substance at this point. For thedipolar acceleration (consequence of the passage at the “node” at thefirst opening 8′) to lead to a disruption, a carrier of opposing chargeis required.

[0104] The air stream added to the substance field therefore has to meetcertain conditions of orientation, movement and evolution in thedirection opposed to the conditions of the substance field and must bein phase opposition. It is known that there is a velocity “belly” in theregion of the external air inlets 9 into the soliton chamber 8. If thisair admission point is located in the region of 0.5 the intermediate“node” of the elongate pipe or pipes 4 reverberating in a half wave, theparallel circulations oriented in the same direction toward the firstopening 8′ are in phase opposition as is the air dispensed by thepulsating suction member 10 or owing to the flow rate accelerator 30.

[0105] The introduced air is therefore in a pressure state opposed tothe state of contraction of the stream of substance in the region ofsaid first opening 8′, thus meeting the condition of dipolaraccelerating couple.

[0106] In the expansion following the nodal plane (located in the regionof the first opening 8′) of relativistic velocity pulse, the disruptiveeffects depend on the moving mass. If the density of the aggregates issufficient, ionisation does not necessitate and additional accelerationfactor: ignition is immediate in the region of the pulsating suctionmember 10.

[0107] On the other hand, if the charge density is inadequate, anincrease in velocity is essential. Experience shows that a limitedseries of sparks from a spark plug or electrodes at any point close tothe expansion space 11 located after the first opening 8′ in the regionof the pulsating suction member 10 is sufficient to cause total andpermanent ionisation of the entire substance field passing through thenodal space existing in the region of the first opening 8′.

[0108] After ignition and stabilisation of the flame, the ignition aid12 is extinguished. The reaction therefore continues for as long as thesupply by the supply means 2 of the resonant chamber 1 is notinterrupted.

[0109] The coherence of the flame, which is a reflection of that of thesubstance field, is that of a laser beam with a low propagationfrequency, of which the colour depends on the frequency and theeffectiveness of the beat of the harmonic generated by the acousticchamber S. All the expansion movement energy of the field of substancesionised by the acceleration becomes available.

[0110] Depending on the characteristics of the pulsating suction member10, the quantity of movement is damped in the form of heat yielded to anexchanger which is all the more effective if it receives a plurality ofphases of the continuing steady expansion movement.

[0111] In a further embodiment, the quantity of movement confined in thespace 11 becomes a pressure force applicable to a piston or to theblades of a turbine. It is also possible to store this energy in theform of “noble” substance using devices of the soliton chamber 8, of theelongate pipe or pipes 4 and of the chamber 1 which lead to thecondensation of the substance field.

[0112] If the substance or substances M used exhibit treatment inertiaafter stoppage of the supply, it is merely necessary to reduce thesuction of the pulsating suction member 10 and appropriately to adjustthe position of the elements 33, the opening of the air inlets 9 and theposition of the carriage 31 so that the reaction diminishesprogressively until it completely stops.

[0113] Some preferred variations of the device according to theinvention will be described hereinafter as non-limiting examples.

[0114] FIGS. 2 to 6 show devices according to the invention which aremechanically activated by mixed liquid and gas burners (FIG. 2), afour-stroke internal-combustion engine (FIG. 3), a two-strokeinternal-combustion engine (FIG. 4), a turbine in an industrial version(FIG. 5) and a pulse jet (FIG. 6).

[0115]FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a device accordingto the invention which is configured for the use of liquids and gases,whatever their viscosity and whatever the size, whether domestic orindustrial, of said device.

[0116] As can be seen in this figure, this variation of the generaldevice of FIG. 1 is configured to use liquids and/or gases selectivelyor simultaneously by specific means adapted to the gaseous and liquid(fluid or viscous) states. The resonant chamber 1 equipped, inparticular, with the supply means 2, the elongate pipe 4 and the orifice6 is provided with collecting means 24 and/or discharge means 25, 25′,depending on the applications, and with a vent 23.

[0117] A sleeve 29 intended to facilitate adjustment of the solitonchamber 8 is fixed on the elongate pipe 4 of the resonant chamber 1 soas to keep the air supply inlet 9 in the region of the nodal plane ofthe elongate pipe 4, regardless of the position of the first opening 8′of said soliton chamber 8 relative to the end 4′ of the elongate pipe.Said sleeve 29 creates, between itself and the external face of theelongate pipe 4, a passage for the air entering through the air inlets9.

[0118] The acoustic chamber 5 is equipped with an acoustic device 7(acoustic muff or reed) and is connected tightly via the orifice 7 tothe resonant chamber 1.

[0119] According to a characteristic of the invention, the supply means2 consist of one or more injectors and/or nebulisers 19, 20 for thesubstance or substances M, which may optionally have been previouslytreated in order to obtain a presentation appropriate for said injectorsand/or nebulisers 19, 20.

[0120] The injectors and/or nebulisers 19, 20 may advantageouslycomprise heaters 22 for the substances M intended to supply the resonantchamber 1.

[0121] As may be seen, in particular, in FIG. 2, the means 2 supplyingthe resonant chamber 1 with substances M may consist either of one ormore gas injection nozzles or of one or more liquid injectors suppliedby an additionally heated variable flow rate injection pump 21 or elseby a mixed coupling of these two sources of supply.

[0122] According to a further characteristic, the resonant chamber 1and/or the acoustic chamber 5 and/or the soliton chamber 8 and/or theelongate pipes 4 are also provided with one or more collecting means 24and/or discharge means 25, 25′ for overflow rates, residues and/orcombustion condensates produced, wherein said collecting means 24 and/ordischarge means 25, 25′ may be provided with vents 23, thermalprotection and/or cooling and/or confinement means.

[0123] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the collecting means 24are disposed below and in the vicinity of the orifice 6 of the acousticchamber 5.

[0124] The discharge means 25, 25′ for the overflow or for a saturationof the resonant chamber 1 may consist of tubes and may be connected to acommon collecting means 24 or reservoir which is sealed from theexternal air and equipped with a vent 23 opening, for example, into theresonant chamber 1 or the acoustic chamber 5.

[0125] The soliton chamber 8 located in the longitudinal axis L of thedevice according to the invention and mating with the end 4′ of theelongate pipe 4 is fixed to a moving support produced in the form of acarriage 31 sliding on the fixed support which is itself produced in theform of one or more rails 32 connected to the resonant chamber 1.

[0126] The sleeve 29 may be displaced by sliding with friction in adirection parallel to the longitudinal axis L, thus displacing the airinlets 9 relative to the elements 33 fixed on the elongate pipe 4. Thisallows adjustment of the distance between the first opening 8′ of thissoliton chamber 8 and the end 4′ of the elongate pipe 4, the spacebetween the sleeve 29 and the elongate pipe 4 serving as a means ofcommunication with the exterior of which the cross-section may bechecked by the element or elements 33 produced, for example, in the formof a conical sleeve which may be adjusted by sliding or by helicalrotation on said elongate pipe 4.

[0127] A flow rate accelerator 30, also known hereinafter as variableflow rate venturi of the pulsating suction member 10 attached tightly tothe first opening 8′ of the soliton chamber 8 may also be fixed to thecommon support or carriage 31.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 2, this venturi may be supplied by a fan orblowing turbine 37 and its divergent portion may be equipped with anignition aid 12, for example with a spark plug or electrodes.

[0129] The rail or rails 32 acting as support means connected to theresonant chamber 1 may advantageously comprise a device (not shown) foradjusting the first opening 8′ and end 4′ course between the solitonchamber 8 and the elongate pipe 4.

[0130] The device shown in FIG. 2 operates in the following manner: theflow rate accelerator 30 or venturi is started up by actuating thesource of air originating from the blowing turbine 37. The combustiblesubstance or substances M optionally heated by the heater 22 areinjected into the resonant chamber 1 by the injectors and/or nebulisers19, 20.

[0131] Advantageously, the gases are injected by traditional lowpressure nozzles whereas the pressures for injection of the liquids(proportional to their density) remain within conventionally used valuesowing to the contraction used for their conditioning.

[0132] If the supply to the resonant chamber 1 is mixed, for examplemade up of a mixture of gas and fuel, it is easier to initiate thereaction first with the gas, without this being an obligation.

[0133] Similarly, the use of heave fuel or contaminated oils is greatlyfacilitated if the gas or again the petrol are used first or togetherwith the substances of average or high viscosity. The fuel facilitatingstart-up may then be stopped.

[0134] The gases and liquids sprayed or atomised by the injectionpressure are conditioned by the vibratory circulation conditions of theresonant chamber 1 and arrive in the form of mist in the elongate pipe4, aspirated by the checked effect of the soliton chamber 8.

[0135] When the substance field is in the region of the venturi, it isignited by the spark plug or the electrode of the ignition aid 12.

[0136] A device according to the invention intended for domestic use maybe preadjusted and calibrated once and for all and it is merelynecessary to adjust the flow rate and the adaptation to the medium.According to a variation which is particularly suitable for domesticuse, the soliton chamber 8 is connected tightly to the elongate pipe 4,and the external air inlet 9 is produced in the form of a tubepenetrating to the interior of the elongate pipe 4 and originating atthe nodal plane of the pipe 4 or else at one of the nodal planes of thedevice, so as to distribute the air in the region of the end 4′ of thiselongate pipe 4.

[0137] For devices according to the invention of industrial size or forthe treatment of heavy oils, the increase in power is more progressiveand it is essential to follow the increase in charge so as to avoid therelease of smoke on ignition.

[0138] Ignition using the venturi is always carried out first of all bymeans of the ignition aid 12 under conditions of minimum velocityadjustment, in other words with the acoustic device 7 open, the distancebetween first opening 8′ and outlet 3 reduced, the air inlets 9 openwith a safety margin and the flow rate accelerator 30 operating atreduced velocity. Once the reaction has been initiated, the progress ofthe reaction in the liquid systems is rapid, so the appropriateadjustments of the injection flow rates, of the acoustic device 7 to itsminimum point, of increasing the distance between first opening 8′ andoutlet 3 (or end 4′), of reducing or increasing the cross-sections ofthe air inlets 9 and of increasing the power of the venturi may becarried out immediately until the correct flow rate corresponding to therate of conditioning of the substances M in the resonant chamber 1 isestablished.

[0139] In fact, if the flow rate at the venturi is too slow relative tothe conditioning rate in the resonant chamber 1, the particle field willbe saturated and heavier, and the inadequate velocity pulse in theregion of the first opening 8′ will then allow unburnt C_(x)H_(y) toappear. If, on the other hand, the depression applied by the venturi istoo high or if the air inlet 9 is too restricted, the increase in thecontraction ranges due to the release of hydrogen is poorly compensatedand the piezoelectricity is manifested by the appearance of SO₂ andnitrogen oxides NO_(x). The defect may be the mere lack of oxygenmeasured in the waste. In this case, it is attributable to the openingof the air inlets 9 and to the force applied by the venturi, which mustremain strong enough to promote the reflection of the wave in the formof recirculation in the elongate pipe or pipes 4 of the air arriving inthe soliton chamber 8.

[0140] As soon as the flame is stabilised, ignition by the ignition aid12 is stopped. The adjustments may be automated, for example by usingsensors to monitor parameters recorded at strategic points of the deviceand by using computer programmes for processing.

[0141] The gases and the relatively fluid liquids (viscosity comparableto that of domestic fuel or of certain low-density refined oils) areeasy to use because they are already in simple molecular form like gasesor are in the form of fine droplets in the case of the liquids sprayedby the injectors. They are sensitive to vibrations and condense easily,a greater degree of freedom allowing fast conditioning in small resonantchambers 1 in which the velocities of the steady stream are high,leading to the occurrence of higher frequency pulses.

[0142] It is not necessary to bring about finer dissociation in theresonant chamber 1 by initiating a conventional combustion reaction. Theruptures of the dihydrogen molecules take place at the moment of finalcontraction before the passage of the nodal plane of the first opening8′ checked as described hereinbefore. The initial ionisation or ignitionof the substance field necessitates only local acceleration by sparksfrom the ignition aid 12 which is then stopped.

[0143] Once the substance has been ionised, the high kinetic velocitiesof expansion create the accelerating vacuum in the region of the nodalplane of the first opening 8′. The first injections of domestic fuel mayadvantageously be heated for initial ignition.

[0144] Afterward, the increase in the amplitude due to the vacuumcreated by ionisation in the nodal plane of the first opening 8′ issufficient to maintain the reaction. From a certain density of thesubstances used, the means for regulating the forces applied by thepulsating suction member 10 combined with the devices for adjusting thedistance between the first opening 8′ and the end 4′ are capable ofcausing ionising acceleration without the need for initial electronicignition.

[0145] The slower viscous fluids run the risk of not responding to thestress of the beat at the frequency imposed by a small resonant chamber1 unless they are conditioned in a very precise and much more onerousmanner. There is therefore a critical dimension for the route of thesteady stream as a function of the connecting forces present in thesubstance or substances M used. The ideal conditioning is achieved bycirculating a group of particles subjected to multiple wave reflections.The heavy or contaminated oils therefore depend on a size of theresonant chamber 1 which is adapted to their degree of freedom and onbeing heated continuously to a minimum temperature of about 70° C. so asto have the viscosity required for sufficiently fine spraying withoutattaining the state of the aerosol which would condense small particlesand would therefore require an increase in the number of contractionsand condensations for obtaining aggregates carrying a potential ofsignificant charge.

[0146] The flame resulting from the use of the device according to theinvention is equivalent to a laser beam which would pulsate at lowfrequency. It has its coherence and property of continuity linked to themacroscopic soliton wave system, even in large industrial devices.

[0147] It is known that the wavelength of the ionised field depends onthe value of the velocity pulse at the nodal plane of the first opening8′ added to the charge carrying mass of the aggregates. Starting with anestablished flame, it is possible to increase the power of the venturieffect by referring to the SO₂, O₂ and CO₂ contents of the gases emittedand making the necessary corrections (by acting on the air inlets 9 andthe carriage 31 of the soliton chamber 8) and checking therecirculation. On the other hand, the acoustic passage existing in theregion of the acoustic device 7 which supplies oxygen and tends topromote thermal agitation locally must not be forced.

[0148] Depending on the size of the resonant chamber 1, the flow rateand the fineness of spraying, wall effects are not ruled out and maycause precipitation of liquid located in the bottom of the resonantchamber 1 as well as condensation in the acoustic chamber 5 owing to theexternal air stream of the acoustic device 7. To prevent an accumulationin these chambers, discharge means 25, 25′ which do not modify theatmosphere of these chambers are connected to at least one collectingmeans 24 which is sealed from the external air and is preferablyequipped with a vent 23 which turns back into the resonant chamber 1 orthe acoustic chamber 5.

[0149] The advantages of this embodiment lie in the flexibility of themixed or successive use of different fuels such as gas and fuel indomestic heating devices as well as in the ease of use of heavy orcontaminated oils which are difficult to eliminate without risk. Thequantity of heat transmitted through the ionised field is greater thanthat of a conventional flame owing to the steady evolution whichgenerates a succession of bellies of expansions increasing the heatexchange surfaces.

[0150] Furthermore, the coherence of the large flame allows the use oflarge capacity furnaces which limit the loss by the use of a single heatsource of great length.

[0151] The quality of the emission which do not pollute the environmentowing to the absence of oxidation means that these devices are quitesuitable for urban and industrial use.

[0152]FIG. 3 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a secondembodiment of the device according to the invention.

[0153] The device is actuated by a four-stroke internal-combustionengine 41 supplied by valves, the reaction produced in return by thedevice according to the invention maintaining the forced movement of thesingle cylinder or multi-cylinder internal-combustion engine 41. Thesoliton chamber 8 of the device according to the invention consists ofthe combustion chamber of the engine in the intake phase.

[0154] The pulsating or cyclical suction member 10 therefore consists ofan internal-combustion engine 41 conventionally comprising one or moreintake valves 43 and exhaust valves either with controlled ignition orwithout ignition but with a greater volumetric ratio.

[0155] The injection pump 21 for the injectors and/or nebulisers 19, 20of the supply means 2 for the device according to the invention mayadvantageously be the multipoint injection pump of the multi-cylinderinternal-combustion engine 41.

[0156] The intake tube or tubes 44, 44′ (optionally each of them) areequipped externally to the inlet portion (designed as air inlet(s) 9)with a soliton (half) chamber 8 in which there is accommodated thesleeve 29 of the elongate pipe 4 of a resonant chamber 1 held inposition by a positioning device consisting of a moving carriage 31travelling on one or more rails 32 connected to the internal-combustionengine 41. A flange 46 is placed in the region of the (external) inletof the intake tube 44′ for receiving the sleeve 29 and facilitatingadjustment thereof.

[0157] The air intake or intakes 9 of the soliton chamber 8 are locatedin the region of the nodal plane of the elongate pipe 4 of which thetotal length corresponds, in an non-limiting example, to the length oftravel of the piston 45 for +/−110° of rotation of the top dead centretoward the bottom dead centre.

[0158] The air inlet or inlets 9 of the soliton chamber 8 may also belocated in line with one of the other possible nodal planes of thedevice.

[0159] The resonant chamber 1 is also provided with an acoustic chamber5 equipped with an orifice 6 and an acoustic device 7 produced, forexample, in the form of an acoustic muff or an acoustic reed.

[0160] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, thesupply means 2 of the resonant chamber 1 are disposed opposite an outlet3 of said resonant chamber 1 and on the longitudinal axis of an elongatepipe 4.

[0161] In this preferred embodiment, the supply means 2 of the resonantchamber 1 are always placed on the side remote from that receiving theelongate pipe 4 but in such a way that the injectors and/or nebulisers19, 20, in an ideal but not limiting manner, are located in thelongitudinal axis of the resonant chamber 1 owing to its small volume.As can be seen in FIG. 3, the acoustic chamber 5, its acoustic device 7and its orifice 6 are therefore located in a position which is laterallyoffset from the resonant chamber 1, contrary to the arrangement shown,for example, in FIG. 2 where all the aforementioned elements are centredon the horizontal axis L.

[0162] The internal-combustion engine 41 is turned on by a conventionallauncher or starter. The injection of the substances M is stalled sothat it introduces the selected fuel into the resonant chamber 1 exactlyat the moment when the intake valve 43 opens. The intake valve 43 mustnot be closed before 290° of the rotation of the crankshaft from the topdead centre at the beginning of intake.

[0163] In the embodiment described hereinbefore, the volume of thecombustion chamber of the internal-combustion engine 41 forms a solitonchamber 8 of which the intake tube 44′ corresponds to the narrow ovoidalside (first opening 8′) of the more general soliton chamber 8 describedin the previous embodiments. The piston 45 against which a movement“belly” is formed generates at least one nodal plane during eachvertical movement. The instant wave of depression produced by themovement of the piston 45 on intake passes through the soliton chamber 8which cooperates with the intake tube 44′ before continuing its route tothe bottom of the resonant chamber 1 where it is reflected in thedirection of the soliton chamber 8 after undergoing a series ofreflections in the resonant chamber 1.

[0164] When it first passes the soliton chamber 8, the depression givesrise to a first compensation by the passage of external air through theinlets for air 9 constituting solitons but with a delay due to theadvanced position of the end 4′ of the elongate pipe 4 relative to thatof the air inlets 9. The travel of the piston 45 thus generates aplurality of depression pulses which are reflected on the bottom of theresonant chamber 1, activate the acoustic device 7 and, each time,involve a wave of external air which is a component of solitonpropagation, of which the amplitude increases at each pulse receivedfrom the piston 45. As the resonant chamber 1 and the variable-volumecombustion chamber of the internal-combustion engine 41 are in adepressed state, the amplitudes of contractions are increased.

[0165] When the piston 45 is at the bottom dead centre, the movement“belly” continues its evolution in expansion and passes to contractionbefore 290°. This contraction of the soliton at its extreme amplitudetends to condense the substance field. The contraction of the morelabile dihydrogen molecules leads to ruptures of bonds which increasethe amplitude of this contraction. To avoid possible crystallisation ofcarbon and to check the amplitude of contraction during the rise of thepiston 45 toward the top dead centre, the intake valve 43, which keepscontact through the air inlets 9 with the external air has to remainopen at least to an angular value of 290°. The position of the carriage31 is adjusted so that the compensation by the wave of external air inthe soliton chamber 8 takes place.

[0166] The top dead centre after closure of the intake valve 43constitutes the virtual nodal plane equivalent to that of the firstopening 8′ of the soliton chamber 8 in the preceding embodiments. The“complement” of vacuum by ignition by means of the ignition aid 12, or aspark plug in this case, has to intervene at this moment. This operationis faster than in conventional systems and requires less advance andmust be programmed with about +/−10° of advance over the top deadcentre. For an engine without ignition, the position of the end 4′ ofthe elongate pipe 4 in combination with the adjustment of the air inlets9 and of the position of the carriage 31, factors of the macroscopicwavelength of the soliton field, allow the nodal plane precedingacceleration to be positioned just at the level of the top dead centre.The contraction of the field after passage to the bottom dead centreconsumes the heat of the combustion chamber and this causes the engineto heat less than its conventional homologue. As the steady movementcontinues after ionisation, the emptying of the soliton chamber 8 isfacilitated by the contraction of the field at the exhaust.

[0167] As ionisation does not lead to oxidation reactions, the engineoperating with the device according to the invention is “clean” and isof particular value for the environment.

[0168]FIG. 4 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a third embodimentof the device according to the invention. The device is activated by atwo-stroke internal-combustion engine 42 (suggested in broken lines), inwhich the soliton chamber 8 is distributed between the two pulsatingvolumes: the intake connected to the outlet 3 of the resonant chamber 1and the combustion chamber, as described hereinafter.

[0169] As will be seen very clearly in the aforementioned FIG. 4, thisembodiment of the device according to the invention comprises a certainnumber of means which are common to those described in the precedingembodiments and will not all be recited or described again here.

[0170] In the embodiment illustrated, the device is introduced into theintake opening, either from the bottom of the engine or through theintake tube 44 in the case of an attached chamber.

[0171] A flange 46 is also placed on the inlet of the intake orifice toreceive the sleeve 29 and facilitate its adjustment. The fuel isintroduced through one or more injectors and/or nebulisers 19, 20 and,depending on its nature in the resonant chamber 1, at the precise momentof commencement of the intake. The fuel is conditioned then introducedinto the space formed by the association of the conditioning space withthe combustion chamber.

[0172] To facilitate the transfer and for a better check ofconditioning, the outlet port in the combustion chamber remains open forlonger. In this case, a valve located on the transfer duct closes after290° or due to pressure so as to oppose the return into the part of theresonant chamber 1 (conditioning chamber). The device according to theinvention may be fitted on a conventional engine and does not requirefurther modification.

[0173] Various means may be used to supply two-stroke engines, eithervia the engine bottom or via an independent attached chamber. In thelatter case, all compression devices should be eliminated and only thosewhich aspirate in a phase opposed to that of the engine piston may beused as pulsating suction members 10. If the engine bottom forms part ofthe soliton chamber 8, the condition is achieved immediately, the pistonreducing the volume of the combustion chamber and increasing that of thesoliton chamber 8 which automatically beats in the reverse phase of thecombustion chamber constituting the complement of the soliton chamber 8.

[0174] If conditioning is carried out in an attached part of solitonchamber 8, its volume must beat exactly in the opposite direction tothat of its complement, the combustion chamber. In fact, thecontribution of the two volumes varying in opposite directions ideallyreproduces the steady conditions of the soliton chamber 8 of the devicein FIG. 1 or 2, in which there is a velocity “belly” at the end 4′ ofthe elongate pipe 4 and a contraction at the nodal plane of the firstopening 8′.

[0175] The moment of injection is dictated by the bottom position of thepiston at the beginning of intake by its rise toward the top deadcentre. The fuel introduced through a plurality of injectors and/ornebulisers 19, 20 is conditioned in the resonant chamber 1 and thenaspirated through the elongate pipe 4 by the rise of the piston towardthe top dead centre. During the suction which results from the movementof the piston, the field reaches the velocity “belly” state through theend of the elongate pipe 4 in the part of the soliton chamber 8.

[0176] Corresponding to the same phenomenon as the beating of the pistonof the four-stroke cycle, there is a nodal plane before +/−110° of thedescent of the piston and before +/−290° of the rise. There must be a“belly” against the piston which acts without these bottom dead centreand top dead centre positions being its axis. As the piston rises fromthe bottom dead centre to the top dead centre, there is a nodal planebefore +/−290°, and the direction of expansion of the entering fieldbecomes direction of contraction. The contraction movement would tend topull back the piston if the open passage of the air inlets 9 did notcarry out compensation during the end of the rise to the top deadcentre. When the piston re-descends from the top dead centre to thebottom dead centre, the field is contracting, thus facilitating thismovement. In the descent of the piston before +/−110°, the movement ofthe field is reversed and returns to expansion. Whereas the course ofthe piston clears the transfer port, the expansion pushes the fieldthrough this available route toward the combustion chamber to such anextent that the combustion chamber, in the exhaust phase, is depresseddue to the contraction of the exhaust. The substance field is thustransferred above the piston. The piston rises toward the top deadcentre before +/−290°, and the movement of the field returns tocontraction, the transfer port being closed by the rise of the piston sothe contraction is no longer compensated by the air inlets 9. On thecontrary, the amplitude is increased by the ruptures of the hydrogen,the contribution of the vacuum of the spark plugs of the ignition aid 12increasing the velocity pulse and causing the disruptive effects of thepolarised charges.

[0177] This contraction depends on the adjustments, by the position ofthe carriage 31, of the end 4′ of the elongate pipe 4 and on theadjustment of the air inlets 9. The wavelength must also be adjustedrelative to the top dead centre so that the ionisation is not premature,as this would cause the engine to knock, or delayed, as this would causea loss of power. The velocity or internal frequency of the field may bechecked by the acoustic muff of the acoustic chamber 5 without varyingthe flow rate of fuel or by increasing the quantity of particles byincreasing the flow rate of the injectors and/or nebulisers 19, 20.

[0178] The expansion following acceleration to the top dead centrepushes the piston back toward the bottom dead centre and, in accordancewith the steady process, toward the bottom dead centre where theexpansion passes to contraction while creating a vacuum at the moment ofexhaust at the same time as the following substance field, which wasconditioned in the first part, is expanding with all inlet and exhausttransfer ports open. The contraction of the exhaust assists theintroduction of the prepared field through its intake transfer port,without the need for a non-return valve in the air inlet 9 part of thefraction of soliton chamber 8 at the inlet of the elongate pipe 4.

[0179] In a further variation, the top port of the supply transfer isopen at the top so its closure by the piston is delayed in order toincrease the transfer term. A controlled non-return valve are thusinterposed in the transfer duct so that the substance field is notdisturbed in the preparation zone by a return of pressure from thedriving phase (after ionisation), which would also lead to a loss ofpower.

[0180]FIG. 5 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a fourthembodiment of the device according to the invention. The device isactuated by a gas turbine 38 attached to the first opening 8′ of thesoliton chamber 8, or else to the flow rate accelerator 30 or venturi,the first blade 39 producing pulsating suction. The device in thisvariation is capable of using at least two expansion phases whereas thepreviously described piston systems use only one expansion phase.

[0181] As shown in said FIG. 5, a gas turbine 38 has, at the inlet,before a first combustion chamber 48, a first blade 39 of a suctionturbine 47 which is connected directly to the flow rate accelerator 30or adjustable venturi open to the exterior which follows the firstopening 8′ of the soliton chamber 8 of a device as described inparticular in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1 or 2.

[0182] The gas turbine 38 is equipped with a launcher or starter forcreating the initial suction. After the suction turbine 47 there is acombustion chamber 48 consisting of a divergent portion followed by aportion having a cross-section ending with a receiving turbine 49. Thecombustion chamber 48 is equipped with an ignition aid 12. The outlet ofthe receiving turbine 49 opens at a divergent portion of chamber 40connected to a longer convergent portion terminated by another turbine50, the two associated portions constituting the chamber 51 equippedwith air inlets 9 of adjustable cross-section communicating with theexterior and located in the divergent portion 40. The outlet of theturbine 50 opens at a divergent portion open to the exterior. All theturbines are connected to a shaft 52 for connection to a conventionalenergy producer 53.

[0183] The suction turbine 47 is activated by the starter. At the sametime, fuel is injected continuously into the resonant chamber 1 bysuitable devices (not shown). The suction caused by the suction turbine47 conditions the fuel field in the resonant chamber 1 reverberatingunder the influence of the acoustic device 7 of the acoustic chamber 5(not shown). The conditioned field is aspirated by the elongate pipe 4and is presented to the nodal passage of the first opening 8′ where itis accelerated. Absorbed by the suction turbine 47, it opens into thecombustion chamber 48 where the electronic ignition aid 12 completes theacceleration and initiates the flame.

[0184] The expansion of the following ionisation creates, in thestraight portion of the combustion chamber 48, a pressure equivalent toa force applied to the outlet oriented through the blades of thereceiving turbine 49 connected to the shaft 52 which receives thisrotational force. At the outlet of said receiving turbine 49, adivergent portion of chamber facilitates the exhausting of the passagesthrough this turbine while creating a contraction zone controlled by theair inlets 9 of adjustable cross-section in contact with the exterior soas to prevent the condensation and aborting of the steady systemconstituting a new expansion which follows contraction.

[0185] The expansion which generates a new pressure is contained by aconverging portion which guides the field to a new turbine 50. Thepassages of this turbine, which are oriented in the same direction asthose of the receiving turbine 49 also receive a pressure in a directionof rotation transmitted to the shaft 52 to which this turbine 50 isconnected. The outlet of the turbine 50 opens at a divergent portion ofconduit which is open to the exterior and assists the passage throughthe blades.

[0186] Owing to the coherence of the flames of the laser type,industrial devices such as those shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 are capable ofsupplying large multi-storey turbines.

[0187]FIG. 6 of the accompanying drawings shows a fifth embodiment ofthe device according to the invention. The present device employs thedevices of FIG. 1 or 2 to expand the air admitted under positivepressure in a combustion chamber and to multiply this pressure by theheat and quantity of movement transmitted to this air by the ionisedfield from a divergent exhaust means which turns it into a jetpropulsion device in the ambient air.

[0188] As shown in said FIG. 6, the present propulsion device consistsof one of the devices of FIG. 1 or 2, of which the soliton chamber 8 isassociated with one or more adjustable convergent deflectors 35. Thisdeflector or these deflectors 35 are connected to a spherical or elsecylindrical expansion chamber 36′ of which the coupling to the solitonchamber 8 forms a flow rate accelerator 30 or venturi supplied by thedeflector or deflectors 35 followed by a portion of divergentcross-section, the remainder of the expansion chamber 36′ ending with aconvergent portion connected to an outlet in the form of a divergentmember 36″. The expansion chamber 36′ and the associated deflector ordeflectors 35 are connected to a carriage 31 of which the position maybe adjusted relative to the general support produced in the form of oneor more rails 32. As the divergent member 36″ for the discharge of airunder pressure is a means of propulsion, the direction of operation isdetermined by a direction of movement which is characterised in that theacoustic chamber 5 is located at the front of the device and in whichthe divergent member 36″ constitutes the rear part. In a furthervariation, not shown, a blowing turbine 37 supplies the convergentdeflector 35 during the activation phase.

[0189] The device described above is started in accordance with thedirection of operation of the acoustic chamber 5 and of its acousticdevice 7 located at the front. The deflector or deflectors 35 pick up aquantity of air which is pressurised by reducing the convergentdirection of these deflectors 35. The air pressure at the bottom of theconvergent member or members is applied and activates the venturi. Theresultant pulsating suction acts on the soliton chamber 8, istransmitted to the resonant chamber 1 via the elongate pipe 4 and thenvia the acoustic chamber 5 up to the acoustic device 7 which reacts byimprinting a vibration of the pulsating system. The injection of fuel isactivated in the resonant chamber 1 of which the macroscopic pulsatingregime lined by the vibratory effect transmitted by the acoustic chamber5 conditions the fuel injected in the form of a field or mist.

[0190] The field of particles or mist is aspirated through the elongatepipe 4 and reaches the nodal plane of the first opening 8′ where itundergoes acceleration completed by ignition of the ignition means 12which ionises the field. The parameters of distance between end 4′/firstopening 8′ and first opening 8′/expansion chamber 36′ and the air inlets9 are adjusted according to the aim. The opening of the venturi isincreased owing to the adjustment of the position of the carriage 31′connected to the expansion chamber 36′.

[0191] A larger quantity of external air under pressure enters saidchamber and is intimately mixed with the field to whose ionisation itcontributes. The intense release of heat and the expansion phasemultiplied by the polarised ionic effects added to the quantity of airthus incorporated form a pressure which contributes to the increase inthe kinetic velocities of the convergent form of the rear part of theexpansion chamber 36′. The divergent member 36″ thus contributes to thesupersonic ejection of the mass of the moving field which abuts againstthe external atmosphere.

[0192] To avoid shock waves in the region of the connection between theoutlet of the expansion chamber 36′ and the divergent member 36″constituting a nodal plane, said divergent member 36″ advantageously hasa progressive elongate shape which tends to move to the back the vacuumspace of the nodal plane and distributing the resultant thrust over aportion and not at a point, which would be destructive.

[0193] Further advantageous variations of the device according to theinvention will now be described by way of non-limiting examples. FIGS. 7to 11 show devices according to the invention in which the resonantchamber 1 has been adapted to the type of substances M used. Thus,variations which are particularly suitable for the treatment of tyresand waste propose the use of a fixed tank (FIGS. 7 and 8) or moving tank(FIGS. 9 and 10), residue extractors, precipitate tanks, etc.

[0194] The variation shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 provides a resonant chamber1 equipped with a hopper 14 intended in particular for solid or fusiblesubstances M (wood, plastics materials, etc.).

[0195] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the device intended for the treatmentof heteroclitic solid waste consists of a fixed resonant chamber 1having a volume adapted to the nature of this waste. This resonantchamber 1 is characterised by an eccentric alignment of the axisconnecting the soliton chamber 8 to the acoustic device 7, anenlargement at the bottom of the resonant chamber 1 which is equippedwith a protective partial double enclosure or with a heat exchangedevice in the area of deposition of the solid substances and by at leastone stirrer 18.

[0196] The device according to the invention, of which the size islimited by the conditions for stirring the substance is characterized byits ease of use. According to FIG. 7, it comprises a resonant chamber 1equipped, on one side, with an elongate pipe 4 and, on the other side,with an orifice 6 opening into an acoustic chamber 5 equipped with anacoustic device 7.

[0197] The resonant chamber 1 is set up to receive the substance in itsbottom part on a refractory insulating covering 1′ or merely a doublewall of the external casing. A sleeve 29 for facilitating adjustment ofthe soliton chamber 8 is fixed to the elongate pipe 4 of the resonantchamber 1 so as to form one or more air inlets between said sleeve 29and the external face of said elongate pipe 4.

[0198] As described in detail hereinafter, an additional sleeve (notshown) may be placed inside the elongate pipe 4 if the elongate pipe 4is large.

[0199] According to a characteristic of the invention, the supplyopening or openings 13 are topped by at least one hopper 14 which may beequipped with an upper closure door 15 and a lower closure door 16and/or a lower grid 17.

[0200] Advantageously, the hopper or hoppers 14 may comprise heaters 22(not shown) for the substance or substances M intended to supply theresonant chamber 1.

[0201] The device may also comprise one or more outlets 54 produced, forexample, in the form of a trap 55 and a sealed ash pan 56 closed by adischarge 57 and/or in the form of a sliding door 58 which opens into aconnected cooling container 62 communicating with the resonant chamber 1via a vent 59 in said sliding door 58, wherein said cooling container 62may be equipped with a discharge door 60 which is sealed from theexterior and provided with a telescopic gripper 61 for removal of saidwaste.

[0202] As explained in the preceding embodiments, the device comprises asoliton chamber 8 located in the axis and in front of the elongate pipe4 fixed to a moving carriage 31 on one or more rails 32 connected to theresonant chamber 1. The size of the intakes of the air inlets 9 varieswith the frictional sliding of the carriage 31 on the rail or rails 32,the sleeve 29 fixed to the elongate pipe 4 sinking more or less deeplyon said elongate pipe 4 while adjusting the distance between the firstopening 8′ of the soliton chamber 8 and the end 4′ of the elongate pipe4, the space between the sleeve 29 and the elongate pipe 4 thus actingas a passage communicating with the exterior, of which the opening mayalso be controlled by the elements 33 produced, for example, in the formof a further conical sleeve which may be displaced by sliding or byhelical rotation on the elongate pipe 4.

[0203] The pulsating suction member 10 and the flow rate accelerator 30(venturi or the like with variable flow rate) attached tightly to thefirst opening 8′ of the soliton chamber 8 are fixed to the commonsupport, namely the carriage 31 travelling on the rails 32. Thepulsating suction member 10 is supplied by a fan or a blowing turbine 37or else its movement is maintained by the reaction, once activated, orby a static draught of the type found in a chimney. The divergent memberof the pulsating suction member 10 is equipped with a spark plug orelectrode type ignition aid 12.

[0204] The device according to the present invention is alsocharacterised in that at least one device 18 is provided for stirringthe solid substance or substances M introduced into said resonantchamber 1.

[0205] A stirrer 18 of this type for the substance may be, for example,an oscillating stirrer comprising arms, longitudinal blades, etc. ofwhich the partial axes 18′ may be located at the centre in the axis ofthe resonant chamber 1 (cf. FIG. 8) and which communicate with theexterior and are driven there by a motorised device (not shown) whichgenerates the oscillating movement of the stirrer 18 via pinions,connecting rods, hydraulic means or any other suitable means. Manual orautomatic control means may also be provided on all the aforementionedmoving parts, and a computerised monitoring and management centreconnected to sensors located at strategic points may also be providedfor controlling the movements of the aforementioned adjustment members.

[0206] The substance or substances M supplied in successive charges areplaced in the fixed hopper 14. The upper door 15 is then closed, theopening of the lower double door 16 allowing the substances M to pass inthe resonant chamber 1. When the lower door 16 is closed, the hopper 14may be reloaded for a new cycle of supplying the resonant chamber 1.

[0207] When the resonant chamber 1 is loaded with an adequate quantityof substances M, ignition is carried out in the conventional manner. Inparticular, it is possible to add highly inflammable substances to thefirst load (paper, cardboard, etc.) to facilitate this ignition. Onceignition has occurred, the blowing turbine 37 and, consequently, theflow rate accelerator 30 are started up as well as the ignition aid 12.In order to activate ignition rapidly, the adjustment of the acousticdevice 7 is completely opened. The flow rate accelerator 30 is adjustedto the lowest in correlation with the widely open air inlets 9 of thesoliton chamber 8 and with the first opening 8′ brought toward the end4′ of the elongate pipe 4.

[0208] When the mass is burning well, the stirrer 18 is activated,either at slow speed and continuously or more quickly butintermittently. Once actual ignition has occurred, the air passage ofthe acoustic device 7 is closed progressively, causing the depression torise progressively at the same time as the pulsating regime isestablished. Soon after the appearance of the mist in the region of theflow rate accelerator 30, the flame is established in the divergentmember of the venturi. When the flame is stabilised, the ignition aid 12may be stopped. As the flow rate is increasing due to the generalignition of the resonant chamber 1, the progress of the radiating flameis followed by appropriate operations such as adjustment of the acousticdevice 7 toward its point of minimum operation, increase in the distancebetween first opening 8/and outlet 3 (or of the distance between firstopening 8′ and end 4′), adjustment of the intake of the air inlets 9 andincrease in power of the flow rate accelerator 30 until the flow ratecorresponding to the velocity of conditioning in the resonant chamber 1is established.

[0209] In fact, if the flow velocity at the venturi is too slow relativeto the conditioning velocity in the resonant chamber 1, the particlefield is saturated and heavier, the inadequate velocity pulse at thepassage of the first opening 8′ revealing unburnt C_(x)H_(y). If, on theother hand, the depressive force applied by the flow rate accelerator 30is too high or the intake of the air inlets 9 is too restricted, thereinforcement of the amplitudes of contraction due to the release ofhydrogen is poorly compensated and the piezoelectricity is observed dueto the appearance of SO₂ and nitrogen oxides NO_(x). The poor adjustmentis also manifested by soiling of the elongate pipe 4 and/or productionof tar in the soliton chamber 8. The defect may be due merely to adeficit of oxygen measured in the waste. In this case, it isattributable to the opening of the air inlets 9 and to the force appliedby the venturi, which must remain strong enough to promote thereflection of the wave in the form of recirculation.

[0210] At the same time, the hopper 14 has been reloaded and, as thecharge of the resonant chamber 1 diminishes, the lower doors 16 areopened to introduce a new charge into the resonant chamber 1. The lowerdoors 16 close and a new cycle may begin, depending on the rate oftransformation prevailing in said resonant chamber 1.

[0211] Heteroclitic waste such as domestic waste as well as tyres maycontain metal parts such as reinforcements and the like which emergefrom the more coherent mass of substance in the manner of large piecesof grit emerging from a heap of sand and falling at the edges of saidheap which, in this instance, corresponds to the centre of theamplitudes of stirring of the mass in depth by the blades. The sameapplies to ash. If the quantity of accumulated unburnt substancesexceeds a certain limit, they must be removed. This operation may beprogrammed or take place at any moment, the discharge container beingconnected to the resonant chamber 1. For this purpose, the sliding door58 is opened, the gripper 61 (grab, claw or articulated telescopicclamp) scrapes off the deposited substances and brings the ash back tothe ash pan 56 provided for this purpose. It then grasps, shakes orvibrates the recovered substances in order to eliminate adhesions anddeposits them in a cooling container 62 while awaiting their finalremoval. The opening or the trap 55 of the ash pan 56 may preferably belocated below the orifice 6 owing to the effect of precipitation inducedat this level by the stream of fresh air coming from the acoustic device7.

[0212] Depending on the nature of the waste, some of which evolve morequickly into the phase of dissociation or produce more heat, it may benecessary to cool the reaction. For this purpose, the wall of theresonant chamber 1 may be backed by an insulating covering 1′, forexample a sheet of water connected to any cool source.

[0213]FIGS. 9 and 10 show a further embodiment of the device accordingto the invention which is characterised by the setting into motion ofthe resonant chamber 1 in order to stir the substances in large chamberssuitable for the treatment and handling conditions of heteroclitic solidwaste containing, for example, hydrocarbons.

[0214] The device shown in said figures is characterised in that theresonant chamber 1 contains gravimetric solid substances deposited atits bottom. As these substances are static, they are then stirred ormoved to ensure the maintenance and uniformity of the transformationreaction.

[0215] The illustrated device comprises a resonant chamber 1 equippedwith an elongate pipe 4 and with an acoustic chamber 5 provided with anorifice 6 and is arranged so as to receive the substance in its lowerpart on a refractory insulating covering 1′ or merely a double wall ofthe external casing, the axis of alignment of the elongate pipe 4 and ofthe orifice 6 being eccentric toward the top of the resonant chamber 1which comprises, on its lower external face, one or more running treads63 and track rollers 64 positioned as a function of the axis of rotationdefined by the elongate pipe 4/orifice 6 axis relative to the axis ofthe resonant chamber 1.

[0216] The elongate pipe 4 consists of a tube which is open at bothends, one connected tightly to one side of the resonant chamber 1 andthe other constituting the end 4′ entering in the soliton chamber 8 (thepulsating suction member 10 and its accessories is only suggested inthis view) opposite its first opening 8′.

[0217] In the case of devices according to the invention designed forthe treatment of substances which may be moist such as domestic refuseor sludge and which may be subject to premature condensation, in thecase of very large devices, in other words for a ratio:

[0218] length of resonant chamber 1

[0219] ----------------------------->1

[0220] length of elongate pipe or pipes 4

[0221] or in the case of an elongate pipe 4 having a cross-sectiongreater than 0.20 m² for a ratio:

[0222] length of resonant chamber 1

[0223] ---------------------------->0.25,

[0224] length of elongate pipe or pipes 4

[0225] and with the streams of substance M which are sensitive to theeffects of walls which would be amplified by contact with the cooler aircirculating in the opposite direction, when using light or gaseousfluids with one or more special elongate pipes 4 in which the reflux ofsubstance M driven by the recirculation of the air from the solitonchamber 8 to the resonant chamber 1 is limited, at least onerecirculation guide 26 having a cross-section smaller than that of thepipe or pipes 4 is provided at least in part inside said elongate pipeor pipes 4, for example in the form of an elongate sleeve opening in theresonant chamber 1.

[0226] As illustrated in FIG. 9, this recirculation guide 26 delimitsthe space for recirculation of the air for compensating the depressionin the resonant chamber 1. A sleeve 29 intended to facilitate adjustmentof the operation of the soliton chamber 8 is fixed to the elongate pipe4 of the resonant chamber 1 in order to form a passage for the airinlets 9 between itself and the external face of said elongate pipe 4.

[0227] A reinforcement outside the elongate pipe 4 at the level of theresonant chamber 1 constitutes a movement axis inside a bearing 65.

[0228] Furthermore, the opening 13 for the supply of substances M to theresonant chamber 1 is closed by a sliding panel 15″ with controlled orautomatic opening. The supply means 2 advantageously consists of ahopper 14 closed by an upper loading door 15 and a lower discharge door16 with two leaves and is connected to a positioning device which isitself connected to the frame 66, wherein all movements may becontrolled manually or automatically.

[0229] The device illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 may also comprise one ormore outlets 54 produced, for example, in the form of an ash pan 56closed by a trap 55 opening at the exterior for possible emptying. Asecond outlet 54 through a sliding door 58 opens into a lock chamber 56′which is sealed from the exterior and equipped with a second slidingdoor 58′ facing the sliding door 58 so as to be located horizontally inthe lower discharge position (cf. FIG. 10).

[0230] A telescopic gripper 61 is provided on the sealed lock chamber56′. A sealed cooling container 62 is connected by a flexible hose tothe sealed lock chamber 56′, of which the sliding door 58 comprises aspecial vent 59 which is permanently open into the resonant chamber 1.

[0231] The acoustic chamber 5 is equipped with its acoustic device 7 ofwhich the orifice 6 is configured, in a non-limiting embodiment, so asto constitute an axis for movement inside a bearing 65. The solitonchamber 8 located at the front of the elongate pipe 4 and in its axis,is fixed to a carriage 31 which is carried by one or more rails 32connected to the frame 66 in such a way that said soliton chamber 8 isable to slide on the sleeve 29 connected to the elongate pipe 4 of theresonant chamber 1 for adjusting the distance between the first opening8′ of this soliton chamber 8 and the end 4′ of the elongate pipe 4, thespace between the sleeve 29 and the elongate pipe 4 acting as airpassage for the air inlets 9 of which the cross-section may be monitoredby elements 33, for example a further conical sleeve which may beadjusted by sliding or else by helical rotation on the elongate pipe 4.

[0232] The pulsating suction member 10, the variable flow flow-rateaccelerator 30 (venturi, adapted turbine, motor, etc.) is attachedtightly to the first opening 8′ of the soliton chamber 8, the pulsatingsuction member 10 being fixed with said soliton chamber 8 to the commonsupport (carriage 31). It is supplied by a blowing turbine 37 andoptionally equipped with a spark plug or electrode type ignition aid 12,as necessary.

[0233] The rail or rails 32 connected to the frame 66 comprise a devicefor adjusting the course between the first opening 8′ and the outlet 3(or the end 4′ of the elongate pipe 4 defining the point of reference ofthe half wave of the stream guiding the position of the first opening 8′of the soliton chamber 8).

[0234] The device also comprises running treads 63 and track rollers 64for the cradle-type support of the resonant chamber 1 connected to afixed frame 66 comprising the bearings 65 and the supporting base of themoving soliton chamber 8. A device which generates the oscillatingmovement of the resonant chamber 1 is also provided as well as means forcontrolling the moving members, a computerised monitoring and managementcentre connected to sensors located at strategic points and to theadjustment members.

[0235] The substances which are supplied in successive loads are placedin the fixed hopper 14, the upper door 15 then being closed. Owing toits rocking movement around the axis of the elongate pipe 4 and of theorifice 6 in the bearings 65, the resonant chamber 1 places its slidingpanel 15″ opposite the lower door 16 of the hopper 14 and releases asecuring bolt which immobilises the resonant chamber 1. The slidingpanel 15″ opens to allow opening of the lower double door 16 of thehopper 14. The substance or substances M fall in the resonant chamber 1.The doors close in the opposite sequence. Once the discharge of thewaste is complete, general unbolting releases the resonant chamber 1.

[0236] When the resonant chamber 1 is loaded with an adequate amount ofsubstances M, ignition and start-up are carried out as explainedhereinbefore.

[0237] If a release of the immobilisation is adjusted to, for example,six oscillations (time estimated for the disappearance of a quantity ofsubstance treated in the resonant chamber 1), the sliding panel 15″appears opposite the hopper 14, the bolt secures the resonant chamber 1and stops the driving force of the oscillating movement. The hopper 14descends into position, the sliding panel 15″ and the lower door 16 openin succession, the load slides in the resonant chamber 1, the doorsclose in the opposite direction, unbolting frees the moving assembly,the source driving the oscillation is reactivated and so on as afunction of the programming depending on the consumption of substances Min said resonant chamber 1.

[0238] Heteroclitic waste such as domestic waste as well as tyres maycontain metal parts such as reinforcements and the like which emergefrom the more coherent mass of substance in the manner of large piecesof grit emerging from a heap of sand and falling at the edges of saidheap which, in this instance, corresponds to the centre of theamplitudes of stirring of the mass in depth by the blades. The sameapplies to ash. If the quantity of accumulated unburnt substancesexceeds a certain limit, they must be removed. This operation may beprogrammed or take place at any moment, the sealed discharge lockchamber 56′ being connected to the resonant chamber 1. For this purpose,the sliding door 58 is opened, the gripper 61 (grab, claw or articulatedtelescopic clamp) scrapes off the deposited substances and brings theash back to the ash pan 56 provided for this purpose. It then grasps,shakes or vibrates the recovered substances in order to eliminateadhesions and deposits them in a cooling container 62 while awaitingtheir final removal.

[0239] The opening or the trap 55 of the ash pan 56 may preferably belocated below the orifice 6 owing to the effect of precipitation inducedat this level by the stream of fresh air coming from the acoustic device7. When the resonant chamber 1 is in the loading position, the sealedlock chamber 56′ is vertically in line with the cooling container 62.Taking advantage of the stoppage for loading, the cooling container 62is raised, for example by hydraulic means, and sticks against saidsealed lock chamber 56′. The second sliding door 58′ and the dischargedoor 60 open opposite one another and the waste from the sealed lockcontainer 56′ falls into the cooling container 62. The doors close againand the two combined operations are carried out without interrupting thereaction, the movement of the assembly possibly resuming and thereforecontinuing repetitively. As the ash pan 56 is independent, it ispossible to empty it into an auxiliary container provided for thispurpose during a stoppage in loading. The same applies to maintenance ofthe acoustic chamber 5.

[0240] Depending on the nature of the waste, some evolves more quicklyinto the dissociation phase or produces more heat, so it is necessary tocool the reaction. For this purpose, the wall of the resonant chamber 1may be lined with an insulating covering 1′, for example a sheet ofwater connected to any cold source.

[0241] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the hopperor hoppers 14 may be displaced above the supply openings 13 of theresonant chamber 1, from one supply opening 13 to another supply opening13.

[0242] The devices described in FIGS. 1, 2, 7 and 8 may be used withvarious substances M, including those designated by the general term ofplastics materials of which the majority melt under the influence ofheat before entering into combustion. This property represents anobstacle to the use of plastics materials in the aforementioned devicesin so far as the load in the resonant chamber 1 melts completely andtherefore produces a saturated field of substances which exceeds thecapacity of the machine.

[0243] If these materials are to be treated continuously, it is firstlynecessary to have a suitable supply, and this posses a technicalhandling problem because the stocks of this waste often consist of largeimbricated pieces which are difficult to break up or to calibrate. Next,it is necessary to make liquid and solid states cohabit in the resonantchamber 1, and this poses a problem of fluctuation in the quality of theconditioned field of substances. The problem is solved with an upperwall of the resonant chamber 1 produced in the form of a grid 17constituting the bottom of the hopper 14 and by providing a large hopper14 (cf. FIG. 11). In this case, a smaller resonant chamber 1 may besufficient. The heat of the resonant chamber 1, when transmitted to themass of substances M in the hopper 14 through said grill 17, causes thismass to melt or burn, so the flow rate depends on the size of theresonant chamber 1 and will be easy to adjust as required, even using asource of external heat.

[0244] The grid 17 is also useful when using wood as substance M, thedevice according to the invention, which is equipped with suitable wasteoutlets, also constituting a burner for gas issuing from thetransformation of the wood.

[0245]FIG. 11 shows a device according to the invention configured forthe use of solid substances M (wood, plastics materials, etc.) indomestic or industrial devices, characterised in that one or more wallsof the resonant chamber 1 consist(s) of one or more grids 17 and in thatsaid resonant chamber 1 is equipped with additional devices (orvariations thereof), for extracting the overflow or waste, for examplelike those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0246] The illustrated device comprises means 2 for supplying theresonant chamber 1 which consist of a large hopper 14 equipped with anupper door 15 and comprising a grip 17 which may be movable andadjustable instead of a lower door 16. The resonant chamber 1 alsocomprises ash collecting means 24 and discharge means 25, 25′. Thesemeans may be ash pans as well as means for discharging overflow throughtubes of which the orifices are located at appropriate levels and whichare connected to a central reservoir equipped with a vent 23.

[0247] The device according to this variation operates in the followingmanner: the substance or substances M are places in the hopper 14 whichis kindled beneath the grid 17 of the resonant chamber 1. Any plasticsmaterials are melted beforehand by a heating device applied to thebottom of the hopper 14 so that these substances M flow into theresonant chamber 1 where they are kindled in the conventional manner.Once conventional combustion has been initiated, the pulsating suctionmember 10 is activated.

[0248] The resultant pulsating suction acts on the soliton chamber 8, istransmitted to the resonant chamber 1 through the elongate pipe 4 andthrough the acoustic chamber 5 to the acoustic device 7 which reacts byimprinting a vibration on the pulsating system. The macroscopicpulsating regime lined by the vibratory effect transmitted by theacoustic chamber 5 conditions the species or aggregates issuing from thefirst dissociation in the form of a field or mist. The field ofparticles or mist is aspirated through the elongate pipe 4, arrives atthe nodal plane in the region of the first opening 8′ and is subjectedto acceleration completed by the ignition aid 12 which ionises thefield. The parameters of distance between end 4′ and first opening 8′,air inlets 9 and flow rate are adjusted as a function of the objectiveto be achieved by the pulsating suction member 10. If wood is used, thecapacity of the hopper 14 allows great autonomy, a vent 23 whichoriginates in the region of the resonant chamber 1 regulating thepressure when the upper door 15 of said hopper 14 is closed.

[0249] The collecting means 24 may be an appropriately positioned ashpan in which the ash is removed as necessary. Heating is controlled bythe means controlling the distance between the first opening 8′ and theend 4, the air inlets 9, the flow rate in the region of the firstopening 8′, manually or automatically. If the substances M are plasticsmaterials, the large hopper 14 prevents the return of gas or smokethrough the substance buffer. The ash pan is preferably placed below theorifice 6 to receive precipitated mineral charges, the discharge means25, 25′ ensuring the uniformity of operation.

[0250] Finally, a last advantageous variation of the device according tothe invention will again be described, also by way of a non-limitingexample. FIG. 12 shows a device according to the invention which isactivated by static means for producing heat from solid substances.

[0251] The device illustrated in FIG. 12 is configured so as to beactivated by a statically operating pulsating suction member 10 and isconfigured vertically so as to be subjected to the action of a verticalflow duct.

[0252] It consists of a vertically disposed resonant chamber 1,(virtual) elongate pipes 4 disposed at the boundary of the zone definingsaid resonant chamber 1 and of an acoustic chamber 5 disposed below saidresonant chamber 1 with which it communicates via these elongate pipes 4and orifices 6 via a grid 17′. A soliton chamber 8 connected to avertical discharge duct via its first opening 8′ is located above theresonant chamber 1 to which it is connected by its elongate pipe 4 andcommunicates with the exterior via one or more air inlets 9 havingcross-sections at least equal to those of the pulsating suction member10, in other words the static smoke duct 34, so as to compensate itseffect. Owing to the vertical position of the resonant chamber 1, thesupply hopper 14, which is closed at its inlet by an upper door 15 andat its outlet by a sliding lower door 16, is located laterally relativeto the resonant chamber 1 of which the supply opening or openings 13 arelocated toward the bottom. A lining of protection or covering 1′receives and contains the gravimetric substances on a grid 17′ placedabove the acoustic chamber 5 equipped with an acoustic device (muff) 7,the orifices 6 through the grid 17′ serving as a pinching means. Abovethe upper edge of this covering 1′ there are one or more elements 33 forregulating the flow rates of the air inlets 9. The device is supportedby a frame 66 so that the air inlets 9 and the acoustic device 7 aresupplied freely by the external atmosphere. In a variation, the wall ofthe resonant chamber 1 may be equipped with a sheet of water in order todistribute the heat, for example over radiators.

[0253] The device illustrated in FIG. 12 operates as follows: thesubstance or substances M are placed in the enclosure of the lining ofthe bottom of the resonant chamber 1, starting from one of the supplyopenings 13, directly from the exterior or starting from the hopper 14.The discharge duct is open, connected by the ionisation space 11 to thefirst opening 8′ of the soliton chamber 8 which is itself connected tothe exterior by air inlets 9 of which the opening is reduced byadjustment of the elements 33 whereas the branch 34′ is closed by itselement 33′. The acoustic muff of the acoustic chamber 5 is open to themaximum. The load of substances M is ignited, if necessary with paperand kindling. The direct circulation created by the full drawing powerof the pulsating suction member 10 (formed by the static smoke duct 34)which is not compensated owing to the reduction by the adjustment of theair inlets 9, causes the load of substances M to ignite very rapidly.

[0254] Large loaded flames develop at the boundary of the resonantchamber 1 at the outlets of the elongate pipes 4 and, as in the devicein FIG. 1 reproduced here in a vertical position, a light bluish flametends to become established after the nodal plane in the region of thefirst opening 8′ in the ionisation space 11 subjected to the effects ofthe pulsating suction member 10 formed by the static smoke duct 34.

[0255] The muff is adjusted to its position of minimum passage, whichcauses reverberation of the acoustic chamber 5 of which the depressioncauses recirculation of the dissociated species in the region of thegrid 17′ through the orifices 6.

[0256] The adjustment of the elements 33 of the air inlets 9 istherefore completely open. The air stream supplied to the solitonchamber 8 is distributed between the first opening 8′ reducing thesuction of the static smoke duct 34 and the elongate pipes 4 whererecirculation compensates the pronounced depression created by theinitial action of said static smoke duct 34 increased by the extremereduction of the acoustic device 7.

[0257] Everything happens as though the elongate pipe 4 had beendisplaced from the resonant chamber 1 toward the gaps between theirregular pieces of substance(s) M placed in the bottom of the resonantchamber 1 on the grid 17′. The flame is established at the boundary ofthe load in line with the gaps forming necks, and the effect ofrecirculation from the soliton chamber 8 through the air inlets 9 limitsits development to halfway up the space between the load and the lips ofthe passage of the flow rate accelerator or venturi 30 of the resonantchamber 1.

[0258] Due to the oriented vibratory effect of the acoustic chamber 5,the internal mass of the substances M placed on the covering 1′ and thegrid 17′ glows red and forms embers, the desired objective is achievedand the heat is produced inside the resonant chamber 1 of which thewalls radiate toward the exterior. However, the flames keep aconventional appearance even if they are clear and bluish and oxidationis already greatly reduced in relation to a conventional system. This isdue to an excess of suction by the pulsating suction member 10 which isonly partially compensated at the first opening 8′ by a portion of thestream delivered to the soliton chamber 8 through the air inlets 9, theother part circulating in the opposite direction through the orifices 6and tending to partially rebalance the pressure in the resonant chamber1.

[0259] This results in a contraction effect which is increased in theregion of the mass of substances being transformed so as to createpiezoelectric effects which are factors in the partial decoherence whichadversely affect the quality of ionisation which is no longer complete.

[0260] To complete the reaction and obtain a maximum of radiation in theionisation space 11 with a quality of ionisation equivalent to that ofthe device in FIG. 1, the depression prevailing in the resonant chamber1 should be reduced as far as possible to atmospheric pressure.

[0261] The local degravitation of the field due to the Van der Waalsforces subjected to the acoustic vibrations of the acoustic chamber 5 istherefore sufficient to transform the mass of substances into emberswith a high frequency of radiation with only small flames. This resultis achieved by opening the adjustment of the elements 33′ of the branch34′ of the duct originating in the air inlets 9. The ionisation becomescomplete, the radiation maximum, the transformation of the substances isdecelerated and the waste species no longer contain oxides.

[0262] It should be noted that the use of the hopper 14 continuouslyassists the quality of the treatment in so far as the solid substances Mare preheated before they reach the grid 17′.

[0263] The devices according to FIG. 2 and, subject to the addition ofan appropriate ash pan (for example an ash pan 56) and of dischargemeans connected to a connecting means and a vent (for example thedischarge means 25, 25′ connected to the collecting means 24 and to thevent 23), those in FIGS. 7 to 11, are capable of producing noblesubstances.

[0264] The greater and colder the volume of the ash pan 56, the more thecloud or the field of suspended substances circulates in its volume,being widely open over the resonant chamber 1. By forcing the velocityin the region of the flow rate accelerator 30 and by opening the passagein the region of the acoustic device 7 (for example the muff), butwithout eliminating the acoustic effect, a condensation andprecipitation factor is obtained in the vicinity of the passage of theorifice 6 and is amplified in the cold volume of the ash pan 56.

[0265] Due to a further effect, all the soliton chambers 8 are capableof producing recoverable condensates through a flow at the bottom ofsaid soliton chamber 8, for example by means of a pipe connected to areservoir.

[0266] In the region of the soliton chambers 8 which necessitate anincrease in the pressure at the venturi and the contraction at theelongate pipe 4, however, liquid crystals are produced whereas the ashpan 56 produces oil which is more or less viscous as desired. Thecondensates produced by the soliton chamber 8 are generally loaded withsolid aggregates and crystals of the fullerene type which are notsuitable for normal internal-combustion engines owing to the presence ofcrystals of pure carbon in the form of microscopic diamonds which leadto wear of the segments and casings.

[0267] The present invention also relates to a process for ionisation ortransformation of the substance employing a device according to theinvention, characterised in that it comprises the stages consisting in:

[0268] starting up the pulsating suction member 10 and possibly anignition aid 12,

[0269] introducing the substance or substances M to be ionised or to betransformed in the resonant chamber 1,

[0270] if necessary, initiating conventional preliminary combustion ofthe previously introduced substance or substances M,

[0271] conditioning the substance or substances M in a coherent andsemi-condensed steady vibratory state using the acoustic device 7 andthe pulsating suction member 10,

[0272] after to-ing and fro-ing several times in the resonant chamber 1,aspirating the conditioned substance or substances M via the elongatepipe or pipes 4 at the outlet of which the wave of the issuing stream ofsubstances M generates a reflection of this incident wave in the form ofa reflected wave consisting of a air stream which rises in the elongatepipe or pipes 4, compensates the negative pressure in the resonantchamber 1 and maintains the reflections between the mirror faces there,

[0273] adding external air to the conditioned substance or substances Missuing from the elongate pipe or pipes 4 via the air inlets 9 situatedin the vicinity of the elongate pipe or pipes 4, and

[0274] ionising the conditioned substance or substances M, optionallyusing an ignition aid 12.

[0275] The process according to the invention is also characterised inthat it also comprises a stage of optimisation of the reaction after thestate of ionisation of the conditioned substance or substances M byadjusting one or more of the following parameters: opening of theacoustic device 7, power of the pulsating suction member 10, flow rateof air entering via the air inlets 9, position of the air inlets 9relative to the nodal plane of the elongate pipe or pipes 4 or of adifferent nodal plane of the device, distance separating the secondopening 8″ from the outlet or outlets 3 of the resonant chamber 1,adjustment of the length of the elongate pipe or pipes 4, in order toadapt the rate of the ionisation reaction of the substance or substancesM to the conditioning rate of said substances M in the resonant chamber1.

[0276] According to a further characteristic, the concentrations of SO₂,C_(x)H_(y), NO_(x), or O₂ of the air rejected by the device according tothe present invention are measured in order to determine the adjustmentof one or more of the following parameters: power of the pulsatingsuction member 10, position of the air inlets 9 relative to the nodalplane of the elongate pipe or pipes 4 or of a different nodal plane ofthe device, flow rate of air entering via the air inlets 9, distanceseparating the first opening 8′ from the outlet or outlets 3 of theresonant chamber 1, adjustment of the length of the pipe or pipes 4,adjustment of the acoustic device 7 in order to optimise the ionisationreaction of the substance or substances M until an O₂ concentration inthe rejected air which is at least equivalent to the atmosphericconcentration and concentrations of SO₂, C_(x)H_(y) and/or NO_(x), whichare zero or virtually zero are obtained. According to yet anothercharacteristic, the ignition aid 12 is extinguished when the ionisationreaction of the substance or substances M continues autonomously.

[0277] Advantageously, the energy released by the dissociated andconditioned substance or substances M is stored prior to the ionisationthereof in the form of one or more noble substances by condensationprior to ionisation of the substance(s) created in the condensatecollecting means 24.

[0278] The process according to the present invention may be used forthe production of thermal, chemical and/or mechanical energy. Asexplained hereinbefore, it may also be used for producing noblesubstances. The present invention also relates to an incinerator, inparticular waste incinerator, an ecological heat engine, in particularfor vehicles, a turbine, a ram jet as well as domestic hearths andboilers employing the device according to the invention.

[0279] The invention is obviously not limited to the embodimentsdescribed and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Modificationsare possible, in particular with regard to the constitution of thevarious elements or by substitution of technical equivalents withoutdeparting from the scope of protection of the invention.

1. Device for producing a plasma by a reaction involving combustion of asubstance or a mixture of substances M, characterised in that itcomprises: a resonant chamber (1) of the “fabry-perot” cavity type forcreating steady circulation of a stream of said substance or substances(m) penetrating said resonant chamber (1) via at least one supply means(2) and issuing from the resonant chamber (1) in a conditioned form,namely in a coherent and semi-condensed steady vibratory state via atleast one outlet (3) in the form of elongate pipe(s) (4), an acousticchamber (5) communicating with said resonant chamber (1) via an orifice(6) and equipped with an acoustic device (7) for generating modulatableharmonics, and a soliton chamber (8) of adjustable volume for receivingthe conditioned substance issuing via the elongate pipe or pipes (4) ofthe resonant chamber (1) at the same time as it generates recirculationof external air toward this resonant chamber (1) via said elongate pipeor pipes (4), said soliton chamber (8) being equipped with at least oneadjustable flow rate air inlet (9) and said soliton chamber (8)defining, with a pulsating suction member (10) adjacent to the outlet ofsaid soliton chamber (8), a space (11) for the production of ionisedsubstance.
 2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that it alsocomprises at least one ignition aid (12) for the substance or substances(M) conditioned in the space (11) of the soliton chamber (8).
 3. Deviceaccording to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the means (2) forsupplying the resonant chamber (1) with substance(s) (M) consist of atleast one supply opening (13) produced in said resonant chamber (1). 4.Device according to claim 3, characterised in that the supply opening oropenings (13) are topped by at least one hopper (14) which may beequipped with an upper closure door (15) and a lower closure door (16)and/or a lower grid (17).
 5. Device according to claim 4, characterisedin that the hopper or hoppers (14) may be displaced above the supplyopenings (13) of the resonant chamber (1) from one supply opening (13)to another supply opening (13).
 6. Device according to any of claims 1to 5, characterised in that at least one device (18) is provided forstirring the solid substance or substances (M) introduced into saidresonant chamber (1).
 7. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterisedin that the supply means (2) consist of one or more injectors and/ornebulisers (19, 20) for the substance or substances (M) which maypossibly be treated beforehand in order to obtain a presentationappropriate for said injectors and/or nebulisers (19, 20).
 8. Deviceaccording to claim 4, 5 or 7, characterised in that the hopper orhoppers (14) or the injector(s) and/or nebuliser(s) (19, 20) comprisemeans (22) for heating the substance or substances (M) supplying theresonant chamber (1).
 9. Device according to any of claims 1 to 8,characterised in that the resonant chamber (1) and/or the acousticchamber (5) and/or the soliton chamber (8) and/or the elongate pipes (4)are also provided with one or more collecting means (24) and/ordischarge means (25, 25′) for overflow rates, residues and/or combustioncondensates produced, wherein said collecting means (24) and/ordischarge means (25, 25′) may be provided with vents (23), thermalprotection and/or cooling and/or confinement means.
 10. Device accordingto claim 9, characterised in that the collecting means (24) are disposedbelow and in the vicinity of the orifice (6) of the acoustic chamber(5).
 11. Device according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterised inthat the size and shape of the acoustic chamber (5) depend on thedistance between said orifice (6) and said acoustic device (7), thisdistance itself being coordinated with the distance between the outletor outlets (3) of said resonant chamber (1) and said acoustic device(7).
 12. Device according to claim 11, characterised in that thedistance between said orifice (6) and said acoustic device (7) is acomplete sub-multiple of the distance between the outlet or outlets (3)of said resonant chamber (1) and said acoustic device (7).
 13. Deviceaccording to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the orifice (6), theacoustic device (7) and an outlet (3) of the resonant chamber (1) arealigned.
 14. Device according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterised inthat the acoustic device (7) is an acoustic muff or an acoustic reed.15. Device according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that theelongate pipe or pipes (4) have adjustable lengths, for example by beingproduced in the form of telescopic portions.
 16. Device according to anyof claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the section of the elongatepipe or pipes (4) is smaller than that of the resonant chamber (1) andgreater than that of a first opening (8′) of the soliton chamber (8)connected to the pulsating suction member (10) in such a way that thestream of substances (M), which tends to have the section of said firstopening (8′), leaves at least one annular space for introduction intothe elongate pipe or pipes (4) of the reflected wave consisting of theair which is introduced into the soliton chamber (8) via at least oneair inlet (9) and rises in said elongate pipe or pipes (4) in thedirection of the resonant chamber (1).
 17. Device according to claim 16,characterised in that at least one recirculation guide (26) having asection smaller than that of the elongate pipe or pipes (4) is providedat least in part inside said elongate pipe or pipes (4), for example inthe form of an elongate sleeve opening into the resonant chamber (1).18. Device according to any of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that thenatural frequency of the elongate pipe or pipes (4) is selected so as toreverberate at the fundamental frequency of the wave circulating in theresonant chamber (1) and so that the reflected wave directed from theoutlet of the elongate pipe or pipes (4) toward the resonant chamber (1)makes up a common mode with the incident wave to promote the beat. 19.Device according to any of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that thesoliton chamber (8) has a cylindrical or quasi-cylindrical shape (27)comprising a first opening (8′) for connection to the pulsating suctionmember (10) and a second opening (8″) fitting on the elongate pipe orpipes (4) of the resonant chamber (1) so that the space remainingbetween said second opening (8″) and said elongate pipe or pipes (4)forms at least one air inlet (9) for said soliton chamber (8). 20.Device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that thesoliton chamber (8) has substantially the shape of a flared bell (28)comprising, on the one hand, a first opening (8′) on the enlargementside for connection to the pulsating suction member (10) and, on theother hand, a more or less curved opening (8″) fitting on the elongatepipe or pipes (4) of the resonant chamber (1) so that the spaceremaining between said second opening (8″) and said elongate pipe orpipes (4) forms at least one air inlet (9) for said soliton chamber (8).21. Device according to claim 20, characterised in that the secondopening (8″) of the soliton chamber (8) is extended on the side with theelongate pipe or pipes (4) by a sleeve (29) having a section greaterthan that of the elongate pipe or pipes (4) and a length equal to halfthe length of the elongate pipe or pipes (4), said sleeve (29) beingpositioned stationarily on the free terminal end of said elongate pipeor pipes (4), the free space between said sleeve (29) and said elongatepipe or pipes (4) forming at least one air inlet (9) for said solitonchamber (8).
 22. Device according to claim 20, characterised in that thesecond opening (8″) of the soliton chamber (8) is extended on the sidewith the elongate pipe or pipes (4) by a sleeve (29) having a sectiongreater than that of the elongate pipe or pipes (4) and a length equalto half the length of the elongate pipe or pipes (4), said sleeve (29)being positioned movably on the free terminal end of said elongate pipeor pipes (4), the free space between said sleeve (29) and said elongatepipe or pipes (4) forming at least one air inlet (9) for said solitonchamber (8) and the second more or less curved opening (8″) of thesoliton chamber (8) sliding with friction on said sleeve (29). 23.Device according to any of claims 1 to 22, characterised in that thesoliton chamber (8) is movable relative to the resonant chamber (1). 24.Device according to claim 23, characterised in that the pulsatingsuction member (10) is movable relative to the soliton chamber (8), thespace between said soliton chamber (8) and said pulsating suction member(10) forming a part of a variable-port flow rate accelerator (30). 25.Device according to claim 24, characterised in that it comprises a meansfor forming an orientated tangential rotational circular suctionmovement which generates toroidal acceleration of the flux passingthrough the flow rate accelerator (30).
 26. Device according to any ofclaims 21 to 25, characterised in that the resonant chamber (1), thesoliton chamber (8) and/or the pulsating suction member (10) are mountedon one or more carriages (31) which travel along at least one rail (32).27. Device according to any of claims 21 to 26, characterised in thatthe elongate pipe or pipes (4) of the resonant chamber (1) have, ontheir external peripheries, elements (33) having an external surfacewhich increases in the direction of the resonant chamber (1) so that thespace between the walls of the second opening (8″) or those of itsextension by the sleeve (29) and the external surface of said elements(33) decreases when said second opening (8″) or said sleeve (29)approaches said elements (33), thus allowing regulation of the air flowrate entering the air inlets (9).
 28. Device according to claim 27,characterised in that the external surface of the elements (33) has ashape mating with that of the second more or less curved opening (8″) orthat of the sleeve (29).
 29. Device according to claims 27 or 28,characterised in that the elements (33) are mounted movably on theelongate pipe or pipes (4), for example by sliding or rotation round ahelical screw.
 30. Device according to any of claims 19 to 29,characterised in that the depth of nesting of the second opening (8″),optionally extended by the sleeve (29), on the elongate pipe or pipes(4) may be adjusted via the displacement of the soliton chamber (8), thesleeve (29) and/or the elements (33) in order to check the ionisationreaction of the substance or substances (M), the variation in the depthof said nesting allowing the phase state of the air entering via the airinlets (9) to be adapted so that said air stream is in phase oppositionto the stream of substances (M) extracted from the resonant chamber (1).31. Device according to any of claims 19 to 30, characterised in thatthe air inlet (9) via the second opening (8″) of the soliton chamber (8)is supplied in a tight manner by at least one pipe which originates atone of the nodal points of the device.
 32. Device according to any ofclaims 1 to 31, characterised in that the pulsating suction member (10)is a static smoke duct (34).
 33. Device according to any of claims 1 to31, characterised in that the pulsating suction member (10) is a set ofdeflectors (35) of a pulse-jet (36).
 34. Device according to any ofclaims 1 to 31, characterised in that the pulsating suction member (10)is a variable port flow rate accelerator (30) actuated by a fan-typedevice or blowing turbine (37).
 35. Device according to any of claims 1to 31, characterised in that the pulsating suction member (10) is a gasturbine (38) of which the first blade (39), attached to the firstopening (8′) of the soliton chamber (8), produces a pulsating suction.36. Device according to any of claims 1 to 31, characterised in that thepulsating suction member (10) is a ram-jet.
 37. Device according to anyof claims 1 to 31, characterised in that the pulsating suction member(10) is an internal-combustion engine (41, 42).
 38. Device according toany of claims 2 to 31 in combination with claim 37, characterised inthat the ignition aid (12) for the substance (M) conditioned in thespace (11) is that of the internal-combustion engine (41, 42). 39.Device according to any of claims 1 to 38, characterised in that thesupply means (2) for the resonant chamber (1) are disposed opposite anoutlet of said resonant chamber (1) and on the longitudinal axis of anelongate pipe (4).
 40. Process for ionisation or transformation of thesubstance employing a device according to any of claims 1 to 39,characterised in that it comprises the stages consisting in: starting upthe pulsating suction member (10) and possibly an ignition aid (12),introducing the substance or substances (M) to be ionised or to betransformed in the resonant chamber (1), if necessary, initiatingconventional preliminary combustion of the previously introducedsubstance or substances (M), conditioning the substance or substances(M) in a coherent and semi-condensed steady vibratory state using theacoustic device (7) and the pulsating suction member (10), after to-ingand fro-ing several times in the resonant chamber (1), aspirating theconditioned substance or substances (M) via the elongate pipe or pipes(4) at the outlet of which the wave of the issuing stream of substances(M) generates a reflection of this incident wave in the form of areflected wave consisting of a air stream which rises in the elongatepipe or pipes (4), compensates the negative pressure in the resonantchamber (1) and maintains the reflections between the mirror facesthere, adding external air to the conditioned substance or substances(M) issuing from the elongate pipe or pipes (4) via the air inlets (9)situated in the vicinity of the elongate pipe or pipes (6), and ionisingthe conditioned substance or substances (M), optionally using anignition aid (12).
 41. Process according to claim 40, characterised inthat it also comprises a stage of optimisation of the reaction after thestate of ionisation of the conditioned substance or substances (M) byadjusting one or more of the following parameters: opening of theacoustic device (7), power of the pulsating suction member (10), flowrate of air entering via the air inlets (9), position of the air inlets(9) relative to the nodal plane of the elongate pipe or pipes (4) or ofanother nodal plane of the device, distance separating the secondopening (8″) from the outlet or outlets (3) of the resonant chamber (1),adjustment of the length of the elongate pipe or pipes (4), in order toadapt the rate of the ionisation reaction of the substance or substances(M) to the conditioning rate of said substances (M) in the resonantchamber (1).
 42. Process according to claim 41, characterised in thatthe concentrations of SO₂, C_(x)H_(y), NO_(x) or O₂ of the air rejectedby the device according to any of claims 1 to 37 are measured in orderto determine the adjustment of one or more of the following parameters:power of the pulsating suction member (10), position of the air inlets(9) relative to the nodal plane of the elongate pipe or pipes (4) or ofanother nodal plane of the device, flow rate of air entering via the airinlets (9), distance separating the first opening (8′) from the outletor outlets (3) of the resonant chamber (1), adjustment of the length ofthe pipe or pipes (4), adjustment of the acoustic device (7) in order tooptimise the ionisation reaction of the substance or substances (M)until an O₂ concentration in the flow of effluents which is at leastequivalent to the atmospheric concentration and concentrations of SO₂,C_(x)H_(y) and/or NO_(x) which are zero or virtually zero are obtained.43. Process according to any of claims 40 to 42, characterised in thatthe ignition aid (12) is extinguished when the ionisation reaction ofthe substance or substances (M) continues autonomously.
 44. Processaccording to any of claims 40 to 43, characterised in that the energyreleased by the dissociated and conditioned substance or substances (M)is stored prior to the ionisation thereof in the form of one or morenoble substances by condensation prior to ionisation of the substance(s)created in the condensate collecting means (24).
 45. Application of theprocess according to any of claims 40 to 43 for the production ofthermal energy.
 46. Application of the process according to any ofclaims 40 to 43 for the production of chemical energy.
 47. Applicationof the process according to any of claims 40 to 43 for the production ofmechanical energy.
 48. Application of the process according to any ofclaims 40 to 44 for the production of noble substances.
 49. Incinerator,in particular for waste, employing the device according to any of claims1 to
 39. 50. Ecological heat engine, in particular for vehiclesemploying the device according to any of claims 2 to 30 and 37 to 39.51. Turbine employing the device according to any of claims 1 to 30 and33.
 52. Ramjet employing the device according to any of claims 1 to 29and
 36. 53. Domestic hearths and boilers employing the device accordingto any of claims 1 to 32.